On the evening of November 7, 2017, Glenn passed away peacefully from natural causes, in the home that he built and has lived in for nearly 50 years. Glenn was surrounded by his loving wife Dorothy, his family and friends, while being soothed by the songs of his long time neighbor and friend, Rick Wine. Glenn was under the tender care of St. Peter’s Hospice at the time of his passing. Glenn was 88 years old. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy, and by his children Cheryl and Marshall.
Glenn Johnson was born in Glasgow, Montana on December 11, 1928. He was the first child of Ned and Inez Johnson.
Glenn attended Glasgow schools and joined the U.S. Air force where he served our country honorably during the Korean war. Glenn then received degrees from Northern Montana College in Secondary Education and Social Science and a Masters degree in Education from Colorado State University along with additional postgraduate work from Montana State University.
Glenn served his community by being a dedicated and compassionate educator. He was a teacher and an administrator in several districts throughout the state of Montana, and also held positions with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. He retired from the Helena School District after 29 years of service, doing what he loved most, which was teaching. Thousands of students have benefited from his wisdom and generous spirit.
After retirement, he continued serving his community as a volunteer for the Nature Conservancy, for God’s Love Family Transitional Center in Helena, and for Montana Habitat for Humanity. He built houses for Habitat for Humanity throughout the world and he was awarded the Golden Nail award in recognition of the “hundreds of nails pounded, thousands of encouraging words spoken, and work too large to be described”. In 1998, he was presented with the Carroll College Community service award for outstanding service to our community.
Above all, he was a loving husband and father to his family. They will always remember his endless love, boundless kindness, support and guidance. His quick wit, his sense of humor and compassionate leadership have taught his children well. He was also a proud, active father, who would ski and run, build and explore, and was always there for his children.
Glenn had a deep passion for woodworking and built numerous cedar strip boats ranging from canoes to sailboats. He was a proud homebuilder and proudly built his family home near Clancy. He loved nature, being outside, skiing, canoeing hiking and was a voracious traveler and has traveled around the world with his loving wife at his side.
For the past several years, Glenn has been a compassionate caregiver for his wife Dorothy who is struggling with Dementia. His first and strongest love will always be for Dorothy. Glenn and Dorothy are a true love story which will last into eternity.
Glenn requested that, in lieu of flowers or cards, memorials are suggested to the St Peters Hospice. Graveside services will be held 2:00pm, Monday, November 13, 2017 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at the shelter. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com
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Dave and Helen Cogley says
We have so many memories of Glenn and Dorothy at parties, building houses, long meetings all related to Habitat for Humanity. Glenn was truly an inspiration for all of us and the driving force raising walls and raising money for those projects from the inception of Habitat in Helena. Even though we’ve only occasionally been in contact the last few years, we will sorely miss him.
Wally Melcher says
My having known and worked with Glenn made me a better person. God bless and keep you Glenn until we meet again my friend. Wally Melcher
Craig says
What a truly wonderful man Glenn was. I always regretted that responsibilities to an office that I held had involved me in a dispute touching upon his beloved Dorothy in such a way that Glenn felt it best to withdraw from our friendship. I always understood but really mourned that loss and never lost my affection for him. I have wonderful memories I will always treasure of his teaching me about the joys of kayaking and our excursions.together upon the water.
Anne Bauer says
Glenn’s enthusiasm for life and optimism had a profound effect on me when I was his student. I’m very grateful. We kept in touch for many years after high schoo and he and Dorothy continued to be exemplars of faith and service. And sources of great book recommendations, too. I can hear him say “you can do it, kid!â€
Curt & Mary Larsen says
We have many fond memories of Glenn and Dorothy through our work together in Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, and Habitat Montana. They were “Mr. & Mrs. Habitat.” They were both deeply committed to serving the less fortunate in our society.
Curt and Mary Larsen
Jeannette Garay Manning says
Thank you for sharing him with us. My life is sweet & steady because of what he so freely gave. All my love, thanks & a million tears.