Gilbert Johnson
June 19, 1940 – January 12, 2023
Beloved long-time Blaine local, Gilbert Johnson, 82, went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2023 at Whatcom Hospice House, surrounded by family.
He was born to Eddie and Gusta Johnson in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on June 19, 1940, and was the second of three brothers (Don and Dick Johnson). Gilbert was a longtime Blaine local who graduated from Blaine High School in 1958. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and met his wife, Rosetta Cummins, in Wichita, Kansas. They married in 1963 and were together for 59 years at his passing.
After leaving the Air Force, the couple settled in Blaine where Gilbert purchased the family business, Johnson’s Service and Fuel, from his father and later acquired the garbage company, Blaine-Bay Refuse, which he operated until his retirement in 1999.
Concurrently with running his two businesses, Gilbert had been a longtime gillnetter since mid-1960. His passion involved everything marine, so he spent as much time on the water as possible. Whether it be gillnetting, recreational fishing, crabbing, or cruising with his family, he was always ready to go out on the boat.
Gilbert could put a smile on anyone’s face with one of his witty jokes and great sense of humor. He was a happy, fun-loving man who always maintained a calm demeanor and positive attitude. He was always willing to help anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife Rosetta (Cummins) Johnson; his brother Dick Johnson (Ann); his daughter Cheryl Persse (Dan); his son Richard Johnson (Shauna); and his grandchildren Holly and Rachel Johnson, and Anna and Anthony Persse. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G St, Blaine, on January 21 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Whatcom Hospice.
