Rex Johnson

07/07/1925 – 06/08/2012
Rex W. Johnson was born July 7, 1925 to J.R. and Frances Johnson in Lincoln, Nebraska and passed away peacefully June 8, 2012 at Whatcom Hospice House with his wife Marjorie, daughter and granddaughters by his side.
Rex grew up in Wayne, Nebraska, where he attended school and played football. He volunteered for military service at the age of 17, and served 3 years in WWII, 2 years in the pacific, including the Marshall Islands (Eniwetok), Marianna Islands (Guam), Palau Islands (Peleliu), and Marine Corps. He was very proud of his service.
After the war he returned to Wayne and married the love of his life, Marjorie Jacobs. Rex earned his B.A. from Wayne State College where he was a star football player, and his M.A. from the University of Wyoming. He became a teacher and coached high school football for 23 years. In 1961 the family moved to Bellingham where “Coach” Johnson became the head football coach at Bellingham High School, and was also a teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal.
After retirement, he and Margie traveled to all 50 states in their motor home and cruised extensively throughout the Pacific. They enjoyed boating and explored the waters of the Puget Sound and British Columbia. Rex was an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and began an in-school program teaching water safety to young children.
Rex was preceded in death by his daughter Lynne (Johnson) Ruff, grandson Rex John Johnson, and great-granddaughter Radha Jones. He is survived by his wife Marjorie; daughter and son-in-law Patricia (Johnson) and Dennis McGuire; son Steven Johnson; son-in-law Jeffery Ruff; granddaughters: Christine and husband Josh Cicchitti; Catherine Roosma; Carolyn and husband Miles Calhoun; Elizabeth Ruff and partner Jason Jones and great-grandchildren: Colby Royalty and Portia and Tristian Cicchitti: Jayd and Payton Birdsell; Samantha and Olivia Pierce; and Atryu Jones. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice.