Irving Johnson

Irving A. Johnson was an honest, hardworking man with a special commitment to his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who truly loved fishing, boating and camping. Irving was a talented businessman and a man of many interests, but it was the moments he shared with those he loved that meant the world to him. Although the Great Depression hit many families hard during the 1930s, Tore and Marian (Carpenter) Johnson of Muskegon, Michigan was blessed with many gifts. Among them was their son, Irving Arvid, who was born on Christmas Day, 1934. He was later joined by his brother, Marvin, who completed the Johnson household. Irving and Marvin led a typical childhood of the time, growing up in Muskegon. They attended Samuel Lutheran Church, and their father earned a living working at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, while their mother, a former Miss Michigan, stayed home and cared for the boys. Irving received his education in the Muskegon area schools, and played football in high school. After graduating in 1953, he went on to attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and proudly served in the National Guard. It was while at MSU that Irving met JoAnn Hasbrook, a student in home economics. They began dating, fell in love and were married after graduating from MSU. After saying I do, the newlyweds settled in Grand Rapids for a while, where they welcomed the birth of their son, James Scott (1960), and daughter, Jana (1961). In 1963, the family of four moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, where Irving began his professional career at A.O. Smith Engineering. A few years later, he and JoAnn welcomed the birth of their son, Jon Tore (1965), who completed their family. With the work Irving did, he often had to travel overseas to Spain, Germany, among other places; but he always tried balancing his work with being a devoted husband and father. Unfortunately, his marriage to JoAnn ended in divorce in the early 1970s. Over the next few years, Irving moved around quite a bit, taking various jobs. He lived in Milwaukee for a time, then California and back to Michigan. Eventually, Irving moved to Los Angeles, where he was Vice President of Applied Solar for several years, before going to Tulip Corporation. While on the west coast, Irving tried his hand at real estate for a while, and even had a home built there. No matter where in the world he was, Irving was always thinking of his kids. They came to visit him as often as they could, and he took them to all the tourist sites, including Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm theme park. When his son, Scott, graduated from high school, he came to live with him for a while. Once when Jon was out visiting, Irving took him camping and fishing in the mountains, which he never stopped talking about. Later on, when Scott got married in Denmark, they all went over together and after the wedding, they did some sightseeing through Scandinavia. He also made a trip back to Erie for Jana's wedding Family was the most important part of Irvings life; however, fishing was a close second. He loved to go fly fishing in creeks and deep water fishing too. Irving skillfully tied his own flies and handcrafted beautiful wooden handle fishing nets for himself and friends. Like his father, Irving loved sharing his favorite pastime with his boys and they made many unforgettable memories together, camping and fishing. Irving also enjoyed taking family trips to the beach, and regular visits back to Michigan. He had a cabin on Pine River in Bristol, Michigan, that wasnt much bigger than a shack they called it the Sahbin. Irving tried over the years making improvements to it, but it was never really finished. He loved it so much though that he brought JoAnn there on their honeymoon. After Irving retired in 1992, he moved back to Muskegon, and spent a lot more time at his cabin and fishing. He wasnt one to be idle though, so Irving got a part-time job at a local hardware store, and enjoyed spending time with his old high school buddies, Tom George and Jim Stariha. He was a big fan of the Detroit Pistons, and loyal to all his alma mater sports teams at MSU. As he got older, Irving had some health issues he dealt with, but it got worse as time went on and eventually he lost a leg. He went to live at the Hillcrest Assisted Living Community in North Muskegon, where many appreciated his great sense of humor and crusty outlook on life. His friends continued to remain close and visited him whenever possible. Sadly, Irving passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2013, at the age of 78. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Irving is survived by sons: J. Scott (Jeanette) Johnson of CA, Jon Tore Johnson of PA; and daughter, Jana Lynn (Adam) Zybowski of PA. He had 5 grandchildren, John and Julia Johnson of CA, Ryan Rush, Amanda Zybowski and Angela Johnson of PA; and dear friends, Tom and Julie George of MI. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin Johnson. Services will be on Saturday, April 6, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Dale Clock as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.