Allen Leishman Johnson

Allen “Big Al” Leishman Johnson

SMITHFIELD, UTAH: Our dear husband, father, brother, son, grandpa, and friend passed away at age 77 on August 19, 2009, surrounded by his family at the McKay-Dee hospital in Ogden, Utah, from complications following a stroke. He was born October 28, 1931 in Beaver Dam, Utah, the third child of nine to Virginia Leishman and Floyd H. Johnson. Allen received his education in Box Elder County and graduated high school in 1949. He joined the Navy in 1950 where he served aboard the USS General G.M. Randall during the Korean War. During his duty, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean 42 times and the Pacific 7 times. It was with the Navy that he learned his trade of tool and die making, at which he proved to be quite gifted as time went on. Allen married his sweetheart, Jolyn Winberg, on October 27, 1953. Together they raised six children in Smithfield, Utah. He was an elder in the LDS church and a former Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed working as a machinist with several companies including Thiokol and Bourns. Incorporating these meticulous skills and creativity in to his hobbies, he became well known in his retired years for his beautifully handcrafted knives, guns, bows, fishing flies, and chainsaw bears and animals. Allen was also quite athletic. He was a great snow and water skier, roller skater, archer, and butt kicker. Swiftly and with strength of character he regularly demonstrated his ingrained sense of what was right and just for him and, of course, on behalf of others. A true outdoorsman, he spent countless days in the wilderness camping with family, fishing and hunting bear and deer, and just enjoying nature. He owned and loved so many animals, especially his horses, dogs, and cats. A friend to everyone he met, he always had an entertaining story or witty quip to share. It is because of his wonderful qualities and the precious memories he so generously gave, that everyone who had the great honor and privilege of knowing Allen will remember him fondly and feel his absence with heartfelt sorrow.

Allen is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jolyn Johnson, five sons, Cleve (Kristy), Troy (Erin), Jody (Debbie), Shawn (Karen) and David (Stephanie), one daughter, Kristy, two brothers, Deon (Helen) and Cordell (Joyce), two sisters, Donna Lee (Vernal Otte) and Marilyn (Ken Mauchley), sixteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and one newborn great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Floyd Johnson, three brothers, Darwin, Joseph, and Floyd, and a sister, Beverly Burris.

Funeral services will be held at the Allen-Hall Mortuary , 34 East Center, in Logan, Monday, August 24, 2009 at 12 noon. A viewing will begin two hours prior. Internment will be at the Smithfield Cemetery with military honors. As a dedication to his tremendous love of animals, and in lieu of flowers, please make donations in Allen Johnson’s name to the Cache Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed online to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net

“Old sailors never die, they just sail away.”