Steven C. Johnson

Steve was a man cut from a different cloth. He was a simple man. He was a man who knew the value and dignity in a hard day's work and in treating his people fairly. He was a company man all the way. Steve's memory will live on in those who knew him today.

Here in this little corner of the globe, 1951 was a time of celebration for Clarence B. and Frieda (Bakker) Johnson. On June 19, 1951, a warm, sunny Tuesday in Holland, Michigan, the Johnsons welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Steven. Steve joined older sister Nancy, and his younger siblings Diane, Brenda and Jeff soon followed.

Steve's father and mother worked at General Electric in Holland. Still searching for his slice of the American Dream, Clarence worked exceptionally hard, and also had his own Christmas tree and blueberry farm on the side to earn extra income. His parents' work ethic would leave a lasting imprint on Steve his whole life.

Steve attended Robart Elementary School in Holland, and eventually graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1969. Soon Steve would be a part of another exciting endeavor, however. He met a young woman named Sue Saylor, and the two hit it off, quickly marrying on January 9, 1970. Together the newlyweds welcomed three wonderful children into their lives, Regina, Steve and Julie, who brought so much pride and joy to Steve.

Steve took a job at G.E. like his dad and mom after high school, staying there some time before a better job came along. Soon Steve was offered a position at the Haworth Corporation, which back then wasn't quite the furniture landmark it is today. In fact, back then it wasn't even called Haworth. The little furniture company G.W. Haworth started in his basement (after his job as an industrial arts teacher at Holland High School) was known as Modern Products until 1976. But it was a growing company, and a new opportunity, so Steve came aboard.

When he wasn't working, he loved to be outside. He was a natural outdoorsman, and loved to hunt or simply sit out in the backyard and play his harmonica, one of his favorite pastimes. He loved gospel music and country music, and loved to play some of the old hits on his harmonica. He also had a wonderful garden, and would spend hours after work toiling and tilling, so proud of what he could grow. Steve canned many different delicious vegetables over the years, one of his many hobbies. He loved to have people over and fire up the grill, cooking a variety of great, hearty meals to perfection (Steve was a master barbecuer).

Steve's favorite hobby was hunting. He was an avid hunter, and loved to go up north to hunt deer, and spent great times with friends. Steve had plenty of friends, of course. People just couldn't help but like Steve, for his character, and his generosity. Steve was the kind of man who would gladly give you the shirt of his back if you needed it. Sure, he could be a bit gruff sometimes, and was often stubborn and set in his ways, but he would help his friends anytime they needed him.

Steve's first marriage to Sue ended in divorce, but he met a woman named Linda Pitts and they were married in 1986, moving to Heath Township near Allegan. Steve liked it out there, away from the city lights, closer to the outdoors. That was were he always felt the most at home.

Steve was a man who stood for his personal convictions and also had a soft heart. He was loved by so many. A man who will be remembered for his long golden hair and cowboy hat. He taught us all so much, through his words and his deeds. His lessons, and his memory, live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Steven C. Johnson, age 54, of Allegan, passed away on Wednesday March 8, 2006 at Holland Hospital. Born in Holland, he graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1969. He worked for over twenty years as a supervisor at Haworth Corporation.

He was preceded in death by his father Clarence Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Linda L. Johnson of Allegan; his children, Regina and Tim Cole of Hamilton, Steve and Sallie Johnson of Holland, and Julie and Rudy Silguero of Holland; ten grandchildren; his mother Frieda Johnson of West Olive; his sisters and brothers, Nancy and Den DeJonge of West Olive, Diane and Tom Kapenga of Borculo, Brenda and Dan Dekker of Lakeville, MN, Jeff and Wendy Johnson of West Olive; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rickey and Jan Carter of Allegan; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 1:00pm at Faith Christian Center, 1941 Washington Avenue(Bluestar Highway) with Rev. Randy DePree officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Heath Township.

Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Mulder Chapel, www.lifestorynet.com