Caryl G. "Red" Johnson, Jr.

Caryl "Red" Johnson was one of those unique people that make life more interesting just by being alive. Red was a man of many talents and could be found doing anything from fixing big tanker trucks or taking care of farm animals to deep sea diving or sailing. Born with the innate curiosity for the world around him, he accumulated great knowledge, compassion and wisdom from his life experiences. His life and his work were an inspiration to all. Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. In 1927, the advent of flight took a giant step when Charles Lindbergh made the first trans-Atlantic solo flight non-stop from New York to Paris. The entertainment world entered a new phase with the first "talkie" motion picture starring Al Jolson. On December 23, 1927, in Muskegon Michigan, Caryl G. Johnson was born, an event that would shape the future generations of his family. Caryl was the oldest of two children born to Caryl G. and Dorothy (Mason) Johnson, both were of Norwegian descendents and their family genealogy traced all the way back to Daniel Boone. Along with his sister, Jeanne, Caryl grew up in the Jackson Hill area, where his father worked as an architect, excavator and mapmaker and his mother was Head of Nursing at Hackley Hospital. Caryl went by several nicknames in his growing up years; his little sister called him "Bub" because she couldn't say brother, and his friend, Joe, from high school referred to him as "Red', indicative of his flaming red hair color. From a very young age, Red fostered an admirable work ethic, which he carried with him through his life. At the age of 10, he began working at Wagoner Transportation, a company he would eventually be Vice President of. After graduating from Muskegon High School, Red attended Muskegon Community College for 2 years. He was a very bright young man and very proficient at math. In 1950, Red was called to serve his country in the Korean Conflict. He received his draft notice from the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Infantry that was part of the first wave to enter South Korea. It was during his time overseas that Red contracted malaria, and although he recovered, he suffered many relapses throughout his life. In 1955, a wonderful thing happened to Red - he met his one true love, Beatrice, at the Black Angus. Unfortunately, she was there with a date. Red knew in his heart she was the one for him and made his move to win her love. As fate would have it, Red and Beatrice were married four months later and have shared 50 wonderful years together. They just celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in January 2006. Red worked hard to support his wife and children. He worked for many years on the huge fleet of big tanker trucks at Wagoner Transportation, which included 30 double bottoms. Very mechanically inclined, Red would climb into the belly of big tanker trucks to find the problems and fix them. He eventually left Wagoner because of the office politics. Red then exchanged his suit and tie for some overalls and began raising pigs. In fact, he became a well-known hog farmer in his community with the state of the art facility and system. As a self-appointed veterinarian, Red took care of all his animals as well as other people's animals, including horses. Tragically, in 1970, he lost $400,000 in property and 8,000 hogs in a fire caused by a storm. Red always used to say, "Don't get a job counting pigs." After this, he was appointed the 60th District Court Magistrate and was fundamental in developing the probationary program. Red led a life saturated with honesty, integrity and respect. One of Red's greatest hobbies was restoring things. His most prized restoration project was his boat, Belle Grande, his true pride and joy. Though his most valuable restoration was a Jaguar, which is currently on display in a museum in England. Red's hobbies, however, did not stop at refurbishing; he also loved ice boating, sailing, deep-sea fishing and even owned his own airplane, though never actually got his pilot's license. Red was also a member of the Grand Haven American Legion #28 and Grand Haven Yacht Club. Although he had a happy life, Red was truly heartbroken when his mother and sister passed away. Then when his own health began to wane and he couldn't do the things he once did, his family said he simply "gave up" on life. A truly intellectual man, Red was knowledgeable on many topics, and taught his children and grandchildren many things that would guide them through life. Red touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice; 1 son, Larry; 3 daughters: Sherry Yonkers, Pamela (Michael), Williams, and Robin Johnson; 7 grandchildren: Tamara Yonkers, Lisa Weaver, Amber (Tom) DeLong, Greg Weaver, Stormy Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Robert Rettinhouse; a daughter-in-law, Christi Rettinhouse. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons, Scott Michael Johnson and Samuel Rettinhouse, and his sister, C. Jeanne Roslanic. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution in Red's memory.