Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson was born March 8, 1951, to Moffet and Rachel Frank Johnson. Gary attended schools at Lapwai and lettered in football all fours years under Coach Wilson. After graduation, Gary worked seasonally as a tribal firefighter, traveling to California at times for forest fires. He also worked for Mecham Land and Cattle Co. along with his dad, Moffet. He also worked for a time for Jack Boyer, who still owes him breakfast.

Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1971 and served in Germany until honorably discharged in February 1977. After his service in the Army, he worked on a lot of family projects such as auto repair, picking fruit and cherries along with his family and enjoying the yearly encampments at Mud Springs. He also enjoyed camping out with "the boys" and hunting and fishing in all the 1855 treaty areas. He, along with his "bro" Dennis Paul, was noted for burning down the smoke shack and losing a portion of the moose they had just shot.

In his later years he worked for a time for the Nez Perce Express gas station and as camp crew boss for the Nez Perce National Forest. He last delivered water, pop, tobacco and candy to the camp crews at Red River Hot Springs during the fires of August and September of this year. Gary was, along with numerous other members of the tribe, also a cast member of the movie "Breakheart Pass" with Charles Bronson, Ben Johnson and Archie Moore. Gary was an avid bingo player and he'd been at the Clearwater River Casino every Sunday afternoon. Although not always a winner, he had a winning smile and attitude.

His mother, Rachel Johnson, preceded Gary in death.

Gary is survived by his brothers, Douglas Johnson, Norman Johnson and Eugene Johnson; sisters Marilyn Lowery, Jackie Johnson, Becky Johnson and Delia Johnson; as well as numerous grandchildren; and 24 nieces and nephews. Gary is also survived by his good friend and companion, Jan.

A dressing ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. today at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home. A memorial will follow at 7 p.m. at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center in Lapwai. The Seven Drum Ceremony will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center, followed by burial at the Old Spalding Cemetery. A dinner will follow at Pi Nee Waus.