Thomas Elroy Johnson

Thomas Elroy Johnson was born January 27, 1929 in Downey, Idaho to Joseph Valdemar Johnson and Nellie Opal Thomas. His birth at home was with assistance from a midwife. Elroy was raised in Pocatello, Idaho with his two brothers, Frank and Neil. His younger sister, Nola, Neil’s twin, tragically drowned on the family farm at only 18 months of age. Elroy’s family lived near his grandparents and extended family on the hills of Cambridge, Idaho. In summers when he was just a “little guy” he would take the cows to higher pastures to graze. He often reminisced how he would just lie back atop his horse and take a nice nap. Winters in Downey were also memorable for him as well from skating on the frozen pond to skiing after horse drawn buggies.

He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1947 and immediately started working as a machinist for the railroad along with all his “buddies”. One day while “cruising” they followed Zoy Adamson and her sister home from the bus stop, intrigued by their cute looks and guitars. Bertha, Zoy’s mother, told her to go out and “get rid of those guys”. Instead, she and her sister ended up marrying two of them. Elroy and Zoy were married November 24, 1948 at the home of Zoy’s Grandparents, Elmer Ames and Augusta Huntsman on their farm in Woodville, Idaho. On July 19, 2001, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland Oregon Temple.

Elroy’s priorities throughout his adult life were hard work, honoring his responsibilities and most importantly, his family. He and Zoy were blessed with three children, Valdemar, Katherine & Douglas. The best things to come from his children were his 12 much adored grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sarah, Michael, Emily, Joseph, Michelle, David, Lisa, Michael, Stephen, Nicholas & Justin and 11(and counting) great grandchildren.

With determination to provide the best for his family he worked his way up through the ranks from Machinist to Fireman and finally reached his goal of becoming a Railroad Engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He also served in the National Guard but his young growing family prevented full military service.

Elroy enjoyed few extracurricular activities but after the Trailblazers 1976-77 NBA Championship he and most of Portland became their greatest fans. He held season tickets for 20 years and enjoyed many great games. He kept every ticket stub and parking pass from the games, owned 3 leather Blazer jackets and countless souvenirs. Zoy broadened his interests by volunteering him as the go-to guy for the Columbia Kennel Club where he eventually served as president. He also volunteered his time as a Scoutmaster.

He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elroy’s faith became most precious to him following a period of Zoy’s serious health challenges and some inspired prompting by his granddaughter Lisa. During the past decade he served as a Temple Worker in the Portland Oregon Temple and assisted researchers in the Family History Center.

Perhaps the personality trait that brought him and others the most fun was his remarkable resemblance to Elmer Fudd, which only increased as the years passed. The Elmer Fudd memorabilia collection that friends presented to him was impressive and he displayed it proudly, down to his E FUDD license plate and BALD IS BEAUTIFUL bumper stickers. He truly enjoyed playing the role of Elmer Fudd.

Elroy also enjoyed traveling and camping. Favorite family vacations included Yellowstone National Park, the Snake River Canyon, Lost Lake, and the Oregon Coast (where he and Zoy had a cabin). A travel highlight of his later years was a train excursion he took with his cousin Mary through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Throughout his life, Zoy had many dogs; however, “his” dog was Isaiah, a black toy poodle. Isaiah was his buddy for 14 years.

When Tom’s retirement finally arrived in 1992 after 42 years, 10 months and 11 days, he was ready! And so was his family. The first summer he made 7 trips back and forth between Utah, Idaho and Oregon mostly shutteling grandchildren back and forth. He put in a hot tub so he could spray the grandchildren with cold water from the hose. He loved watching them in their many activities, especially playing sports. He was always willing to take whatever role he was given involving the grandchildren including literally a role as Daddy Warbucks when they all put on the play Annie in the backyard. He was the Perfect Grandpa!

This last year Elroy called Cherry Blossom Cottage his home. He loved and was loved deeply by his wonderful family there. His children are forever grateful and touched by the tender, loving care and the special relationships developed there. These relationships did much to soften the loneliness in his heart since his beloved wife, Zoy, passed away.

Elroy passed away on December 9, 2009 in Portland, Oregon of natural causes. He is survived by his children, Val (Earleen), Kathie (Lynn) & Doug (Liz), his adopted daughters, Judy Davis & Karen Simon, his 12 grandchildren Elizabeth, Sarah, Michael, Emily, Joseph, Michelle, David, Lisa, Michael, Stephen, Nicholas & Justin and 11 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Columbia River Ward on December 14, 2009. He will be laid to rest at 10:00 a.m. on December 19, 2009 in Shelley, Idaho at the Hillcrest Cemetery next to his beloved wife Zoy, who preceded him in death on August 18, 2003.

Simply stated, Elroy was a caring and giving person, a responsible and dependable individual who will be remembered by his family and friends as a vital part of their lives. Elroy leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships, service to others and many cherished memories. All of us will fondly remember Thomas Elroy Johnson forever and ever.