UPDATE: Richard (Dick) Johnson, a beloved figure in the Centralia community, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on August 6, 2025, at Providence Hospital in Centralia, Washington. His family has confirmed the news, prompting an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from friends and loved ones.
Dick Johnson, born on July 21, 1933, in Tacoma, Washington, dedicated his life to the outdoors, nature, and his family. He married Bobbie Belcher in 2003, after a devoted partnership that began in 1988. Together, they nurtured their tree farm in Randle, WA, where they cherished time spent planting and caring for the land.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, his son Timothy Johnson of Onalaska, WA, and stepdaughter Jennifer Mullins of Chehalis, WA. He leaves behind two grandchildren, Kayla and Kylea Johnson, who are mourning the loss of their grandfather. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, as well as his son Jeremy Johnson and daughter Karla Johnson.
Known for his tireless work ethic, Dick served with the U.S. Forest Service in Randle from 1966 until his retirement in 1994. His love for the wilderness was evident in the stories he shared about his years in the forest and his adventures in the mountains, including climbs of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams.
An avid hunter, he harvested numerous elk and deer, and his favorite hunting trips to Wyoming with friends are fondly remembered by many. He worked various jobs throughout his life, including driving log and chip trucks, operating forklifts, and even building his own home while working weekends at White Pass Ski Resort for two decades, enabling his children to ski for free.
Dick’s passion for the outdoors extended beyond hunting; he was also a dedicated beekeeper, sending his bees to local fruit farms and national forest clear-cuts, enriching both his life and the environment.
A celebration of life will take place on September 20, 2025, at noon at their tree farm on Peters Road in Randle, WA. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Dick’s adventurous spirit and love for nature.
The community mourns the loss of a true outdoorsman whose dedication to family, nature, and hard work will be deeply missed. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy of adventure and love for the environment remains an inspiration to all who knew him.
Stay tuned for further updates and remembrances as they unfold.
