Edwin William Johnson
September 29, 1962 – September 30, 2016
We are saddened to announce that Ed peacefully passed away on September 30, 2016, a day after his 54th birthday, at Whitman Hospital due to complications of an inoperable thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.
During his recent hospitalization, the outpouring of support and love from friends and family were a testament to Ed's huge circle of influence and how he has impacted so many lives in a positive way with his friendship and generosity.
He was born in Colfax, WA at St. Ignatius Hospital to Mike and Karen Johnson. He, his sister Kelly, and brother Kevin grew up east of Colfax in the Palouse hills on the family farm where Ed learned to ride motorcycles, horses, drive pickups and operate farm equipment at an early age. He attended Jennings Elementary School and Colfax High School, where he was an outstanding 3-sport athlete in Football, Basketball, and Track, where he held state records in the 300-meter hurdles and 4 X 100 meter relay and won a state championship for the Colfax Bulldogs in 1981, as a senior in high school.
He graduated from Colfax High School in 1981 and attended Wyoming Technical Institute, and obtained his Associates Degree in Body and Fender, graduating at the top of his class. Upon graduation with his first project complete (a fully rebuilt Ford F-150 monster truck) he moved to Northridge California to start his career in auto body painting and restoration. While working in California, Ed met and later married Karyn Bruce in Portland, OR on October 3, 1987. Three years later they had their first child, Marcus, in Sacramento, California where they lived until they moved back to Colfax in 1991.
They moved back to Colfax to own and operate Ben's Body Shop where Ed worked for many years restoring vehicles, and operating a towing business. Karley, their daughter was born in Colfax shortly after moving back home. Marcus and Karley were raised and both graduated from Colfax High School. Ed would tell you his greatest accomplishments were his children who were both WSU graduates. Marcus is in his 3rd year of law school at the University of Idaho in Boise, and Karley, a registered nurse working in Spokane. He was so proud of them.
He loved kids and sports and coached several youth sports through the years including: junior tackle football, basketball, t-ball, little league baseball, and track.
Ed has always had nicknames. Many knew him as Fast Eddie, Junior, Big Ed (a nickname given to him by former WSU basketball coach George Raveling at basketball camp), E.W., and The Captain as he was affectionately known at the Colfax Golf and Country Club. He answered to all of them.
His wife, Karyn, preceded Ed in death in 2005. He is survived by children Marcus and Karley, his parents, Mike and Karen Johnson, his brother, Kevin, sister, Kelly and his nieces and nephews who loved "Uncle Ed", and Dick and Barb Bruce, Karyn's parents.
The family would like to thank Pastor Lynn Nelson, for her comfort, guidance and support. A special thanks extends to Dr. Bryan Johnson for the years of excellent medical expertise, care and friendship to Ed. And thank you for the care and dignity afforded Ed by the nurses and medical staff at Whitman Hospital Medical Center.
A memorial service and celebration of Ed's life is planned for Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Colfax First Baptist Church. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Colfax Golf Course Foundation; Whitman Hospital Auxiliary or Plymouth Congregational Church. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.