Robert Cowen Johnson

Robert Cowen Johnson (1919-2014) passed away peacefully on July 31, 2014, after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Santa Rosa to Robert and Nettie Johnson and was raised in Fort Bragg. He was the youngest of eight children.

Robert graduated from Fort Bragg High School, where he was both class president and student body president. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served aboard the minesweeper YMS103 and participated in the invasion of Okinawa, where his ship was lost. He then was transferred to the USS Trousdale AKA 79, where he served in the China area until his discharge in 1946.

He was awarded a letter of commendation, Asiatic/Pacific Campaign medal with a star, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

Following his discharge, he and his young family resided in Berkeley, for two years before moving to Sonoma Valley, where they built their home, raised their family and lived for 68 years, before moving to Oakmont in Santa Rosa in 2009.

Robert was the manager of Farrell’s Sonoma Mill and Lumber Company for the next 20 years. He ended his working career as the Northern California Sales Representative for Wholesale Building Supply Company for another 15 years. Robert always liked to say that his mission in life was making friends, at which he was extremely successful.

In his retirement, Robert and Dorise became world travelers, passionate dancers and avid golfers. He loved hunting and fishing and everything outdoors. He was also an avid San Francisco 49ers and Oakland A’s fan.

Robert was affiliated with the Sonoma Moose Lodge, Sonoma Sons in Retirement Club, Sonoma VFW and American Legion Posts, and the International Fraternal Order of Lumbermen (Hoo-Hoo).

Robert was predeceased by his parents and all siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Dorise (Grundner) Johnson; daughter, Leanne Retana (Ronald); son, Russell Johnson (Lonna); grandchildren, Lauren Miller, Allyson Chipchase, Mylissa Peck, Kelly Johnson, Matt Johnson; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 11:30 a.m., at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, with private entombment at Santa Rosa Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 9575, Wilton, NH 03086; or Hospice By The Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.

The family also wishes to express their extreme gratitude both to Hospice By The Bay and the staff at Golden Living/London House for their concerns and loving care during Robert’s stay and his final hours.

Duggan’s Mission Chapelduggansmissionchapel.com

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