Roderick Lysander Johnson passed away peacefully on May 1, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born on March 21, 1929 in Seattle to Eric C. Johnson M.D. and Ruth Eccles.
Rod attended and graduated from University of Washington with a BS in pre-med in 1948 and continued his education at the University of Washington Medical School, graduating with his M.D. in 1951.
Rod was commissioned in the United States Army in 1953. He served on active duty from 1953-1955. When he finished his commitment, he joined the Army Reserves for 33 years, stationed at the 45th Station Hospital, Vancouver Barracks, Vancouver, WA. He retired in 1998 from the reserves as a colonel and their commander for 15 years. All totaled he was in the military for 35 years. During his tenure, Rod received numerous medals and commendations with the Legion of Merit being the highest honor.
Rod married the love of his life, Stephanie Carter on May 20, 1967 in Portland, OR. They raised their children in Portland where he was a practicing general surgeon and finished out his career at OHSU as director of the transfusion services. He and his wife retired to Whatcom County in 1994. He said it was the best thing he ever did, other than marry his wife.
Rod is survived by his wife of 56 years, Stephanie Johnson of Birch Bay; children, Karen Lysandra Johnson, Eric Douglas Johnson, Victoria Ruth (Mike Maloney) Johnson, Ross Alexander (Kim) Johnson all of Oregon, Thomas Graham (Tina) Johnson of Washington, Roderick Eccles (Sandy) Johnson of Kansas, Jolyon Clifford (Jillian) Johnson of Washington; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Nate) Johnson, Tiffany VanDomelen, Austin Lewis, Jason Lewis, Laura Lewis, Samantha Johnson, Sydnie Bowman, Nils Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Derek Johnson, Lily Johnson, Sophia Johnson, Clara Jeanne Johnson and Olin Johnson; great-grandchildren, Adalyn VanDomelen, Sierra VanDomelen, Hudson Jones, Graham Johnson, Ira Johnson, Theodore Johnson and little princess on the way.
He wanted to be remembered for his love of God, family and country. Memorial contributions may be given in Rod’s name to Whatcom Hospice House 2806 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
A celebration of life and memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. at Christ Church Bellingham 2826 Birchwood Ave, Bellingham. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Bayview City Cemetery 1420 Woburn St. Bellingham. Please sign the book of memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at the Jerns Funeral Home & Cremation Services website.
