Max Maurice Johnson
courtesy photo
Max Maurice Johnson
RAVALLI — Max Johnson, 80, passed away at his home in Ravalli on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, surrounded by his family. Max died from natural causes but had courageously lived a full life after suffering a major stroke over 22 years ago.
Max was born on Oct. 14, 1934, at Holy Family Hospital in St. Ignatius to D.W. and Mary Florence (O’Laughlin) Johnson and was a younger brother of a large boisterous Catholic family. He attended schools in St. Ignatius and graduated in 1953. On Sept. 18, 1954, Max married his high school sweetheart Marianne Morin. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children: Greg, Shari, Scott, and Kellianne. He had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He never missed a match, a game, a band concert, or a play. He was their biggest supporter.
Max graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. He taught for two years in Whitefish and 27 years in Arlee. Max wore many education hats. He taught sixth grade; high school history and government; driver’s training; coached several sports; drove school bus; and was a high school principal for eight years and finally a guidance counselor. He volunteered as a school board member in St. Ignatius. He announced wrestling matches and tournaments for many years. He was proud to promote the wrestling programs in St. Ignatius, Arlee and surrounding communities. He tried hard not to miss a wrestling match or a football game. Up until last year, he attended every state-wrestling tournament in Billings. Max loved working with kids and the community. Watching a student grow into a successful adult was a source of pride. He was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1968. Max was a member of the St. Ignatius Mission Catholic Church, the JayCees, and the Mission Boosters.
Max retired from teaching in 1984 to start another career as a school bus contractor for St. Ignatius Schools. Johnson Transportation safely hauled school kids and fire fighters for many years.
Max proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1953–61.
Max was a rancher at heart. He ran a 200 head Simmental herd and raised registered paint horses. He said, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” He was a member of the Big Meadows Grazing Association in Marian.
Max was a hard-working man with boundless energy. He worked packing fire gear for the Forest Service for 13 summers in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. His longest pack string was nine horses and mules.
Max’s zest for hunting was an understatement. He was at his best manteing up a pack and hitting the trail to get to the top of “You know” Gulch and “Whatchamacallit” Creek before first light. Hunting elk with his sons, grandsons, brothers, and nephews was one of the highlights of his life.
Max was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters.
Max’s wife Marianne; and his sons and daughters Greg, Shari, Scott, and Kellianne Johnson survive him. His grandchildren Jennifer Hendrickson (Mike), Shannon Johnson (Vanessa), Logan Sandman, Billy Johnson, Tara Johnson, Allie Johnson, Tanner Johnson and his great-grandchildren Cashton and Suva Hendrickson, Braeden Coleman, and Tatum James survive him. His brothers Charles (JoAnn), Emery (Lorraine), and sister Delores Lake also survive him. He had many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Max lived a full and remarkable life. He touched the lives of many people.
A Rosary will be held Monday, March 2, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church at 7 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon will be served in the basement of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Igantius/Charlo Wrestling program or the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission Preservation Fund.
