Lester Wayne Johnson

On April 13, 2022, Lester Wayne Johnson left this world to enter into the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lester was born to Roy and Helen Johnson on November 10, 1945, in Lancaster, California. In his early days, Lester worked on a dairy farm, as a logger, as a grocery store clerk, and for United Airlines.

On June 14, 1969, Les married the love of his life, Carol Ann Low. Les graduated from Sandpoint High School and earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from Eastern Washington University, as well as his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Gonzaga University.

Lester's 30 years of educational experience included time as a teacher, counselor, coach, and administrator in Spokane Public Schools, as well as a graduate-level professor for Gonzaga University. To know Les is to love Les. He was a generous soul, with a heart for giving and helping others. It was obvious he truly valued the relationships of his friends and family with his genuine compassion and interest in others' lives.

In his retired years, he loved to spend time with and support his grandchildren's sports and activities, watch Gonzaga basketball and enjoy lunch with his retired coworkers. In more recent years, Les found so much joy in visits from his brothers, family dinners, and his daily morning coffee dates with Carol.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Helen Johnson. Les is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Ann; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Drewniak; three brothers, Ron (Linda) Johnson; Steve (Marguerite) Johnson; and Richard (Mary) Jonson; son, Erik (Keli) Johnson; grandchildren, Amber (Stephanie) Helbling and Ross Johnson; and great-grandson, Rhett Helbling.

On April 24 at Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory (2203 N. Division), his viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for any donations to be directed to the local Alzheimer's Association.