Dennis W. 'Denny' Johnson

Dennis W. "Denny" Johnson was born on March 14, 1942, in Spokane, Washington, to Gordon Pintler and Katherine Johnson (Furlong).

He grew up in Havre, Montana, where he attended Havre schools and graduated from Havre High School in 1960. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he remained until he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Havre. Denny hired out on the Great Northern Railway (BNSF) in 1970 as a conductor and continued to work there until retirement. He loved Montana and when he returned home from the Navy, did not care if he ever left Big Sky Country again. He enjoyed Montana history and could answer most any question a person would ask about the state, names of rivers, mountains, secret fishing holes, roads and even ghost towns of the past. Denny loved the outdoors, fishing, socializing with his friends and family and long country drives. He enjoyed camping trips to the Little Rockies and Beaver Creek Park whenever he could and was usually the "chief of the campfire" (or "bonfire" rather) on most of these outings.

Denny moved to small community of Chinook, Montana, in 1999, where he met his wife Dianna, and they married on Dec. 27, 2001. During the summer he kept a beautiful yard and garden. His yard was chosen as the "yard of the week" by the local garden club numerous times over the years, something he was extremely proud of. His home was always decorated for the holidays and looked cozy and full of holiday spirits. During the winter months he was an avid snowmobiler for many years and served as president of the Montana Snowmobile Association. Denny was a member of the Shriners Club, "Rat Patrol" division in Havre and was a third-degree Mason. Last, but definitely not least, one just cannot speak of Denny without mentioning his true love for NASCAR and his favorite race driver, Jimmy Johnson, the #48 car. He was such a loyal fan that there was a #48 on just about everything he owned somewhere.

Denny's health took a sudden turn for the worst in the past year, and his quality of life had declined greatly. He passed away at his home in Chinook on Monday, Aug, 4, 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Johnson of Chinook; his two children, son, Shane (Sherri) Johnson of Newport, Waashington. and his daughter, Shannon Partridge of Chinook; his step-son, Jimmy J.(Melysa) Halseth of Harlem; and step-daughters, Sandra (Russel) Sorensen of Chinook and Vicki Halseth of Anaconda. He is also survived by his sister, Karla (Bob) Arndt of Great Falls; his brothers, Jon and Corey Johnson, both of Havre; and his brother, Steve (Tomi) Pintler of Fort Collins, Colorado. He had two grandsons, Logan Bergeron of Glendive and Christian Jordan of Spokane Washington; and numerous step-grandchildren; and a long list of nieces, nephews and friends. He was very loved and will be truly missed dearly.

Denny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tom and Hilda Furling of Havre; his parents, Clarence and Katherine Johnson of Havre; and his brother, Terry Johnson of Havre.

At his request no services will be held and cremation has taken place.

Arrangements were made by Edwards Funeral Home in Chinook. His family and friends will gather on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Mint Bar in Chinook at 2 p.m. for a celebration of his life. All who wish to attend are welcome.

This day is remembered and quietly kept, no words are needed, we shall never forget. For those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen and unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, and so very dear.