Commander Harvey Johnson USN (Ret)

Commander Harvey James Johnson USN (Ret) passed away on 23 March, 2023 in Surprise, AZ. Harvey loved the United States, its armed forces, and was a proud Son of the American Revolution (SAR). A servant leader, Harvey aspired to serve his nation and community ahead of personal objectives, wherever he was asked. All of this came second however to his love for his family as a Husband, Father, Uncle, Brother, and Grandfather – and his love for his friends. His faith continued to be a staunch anchor in his life and he was truly blessed by a wonderful group of friends here in Arizona. He is greatly missed and will live in our hearts forever. He was born on April 28, 1926 to Harvey Joseph Johnson and Elise Augusta (Pedersen) Johnson on a farm in Burlington, North Dakota. He attended high school in Minot, North Dakota, graduating in 1943. He attended Texas A&M College before enlisting in the Navy V-12 Program and briefly attending the University of Minnesota, prior to appointment to and graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1947. Harvey had a successful career in the Navy, serving on several ships culminating in command of USS Halsey Powell (DD-686), attaining the rank of Commander. Ashore, Harvey’s last tour in the Navy was commanding Skiffes Creek Annex, Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, VA. After 24 years of commissioned service, he retired from the Navy and became Administrator for the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society nursing homes and apartments in Pine River and then Greenacres, WA. He excelled at elder care and served a term on the Good Samaritan Society Board of Directors, was appointed to the Washington State Governors Advisory Council, and was recognized as an Administrator Emeritus after his retirement. Additionally, he often found himself in service to his community as a church officer, as president of the local school board in Minnesota, and dedicated supporter of the Sun City West Organ and Keyboard Club. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Evinda (Vicki), sisters Ida, Evelyn, and his son Steven. He is survived by his brother Ken Johnson, his daughter Pam (David) Hibbert, son David (Dorothy) Johnson and four grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the Menke Funeral Home in Sun City AZ from 2PM – 5PM, Thursday, 27 April, 2023 with internment to follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1:30 PM, Friday, 28 April, 2023, with military honors. There will be a celebration of life at Fellowship Square in Surprise, AZ at 1 PM, Saturday 29 April, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Mayo Hospital: https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic