Reginald R. Johnson

Reginald R. Johnson, 75 died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at his home.  He was born on March 19, 1948 in Pendleton, Oregon.  Dressing Ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Burns Mortuary at 3:00 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 4:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Andrews Cemetery.  Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of funeral arrangements.

A proud Vietnam Veteran and Avid Bookworm, Reginald R Johnson passed away at age 75 in his hometown Pendleton, Oregon. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his immense courage to face life challenges with a smile on his face whenever he saw his family members who came to visit. Despite the pain, Reggie remained a hero and stayed strong until the end and was surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to their fullest and keeping their love for each other going for generations.

Reggie was born on March 19th 1948 to Amy Minthorn-Johnson and Joseph Johnson in Pendleton OR, “The Real West” town. He graduated from Pendleton High School, and he was then drafted to the Vietnam War serving in the 101st Airborne Division. After his service, he returned to Pendleton OR for a short time pursuing his college education at Eastern Oregon State College in La Grande Oregon. He then was transferred to Marylhurst University in Portland Oregon. Later on, he met his wife Margaret Johnson and settled down in Portland as a permanent resident.

Reggie’s pride was vast attaining knowledge in a variety of different areas book wise and culturally. He shared his passion for learning with many different people and children for years at NAYA (Native American Youth Association), by teaching them dancing, singing, and beadworking.

Reggie enjoyed the simple pleasures life had to offer (Burgers and fries included). He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved to travel to different states to participate at Pow-wows to sing and dance in different styles. Whenever he was home, he was often found sitting at his desk wearing his Washington Redskin T-shirt and reading glasses working on projects that involved drum making, beadworking and even crafting head-roaches that he would wear with pride. His social personality and love for knowledge was very contagious to anyone he met.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Johnson and siblings Janet Johnson-Singh and Stanley Johnson. Reggie is predeceased by his parents, Amy Minthorn-Johnson, Joseph Johnson and his siblings Mark Johnson, Gwendolyn Johnson-Klatush, and Joseph C (Little Joe)  Johnson.