Arthur F. Johnson, 96

Arthur F. Johnson, 96, passed away, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 at his home.

 He was born July 12, 1913 in Blitzen, Ore., 90 miles south of Burns, the son of Arvid (Bob) and Rose Johnson.

He finished the first grade in Oregon and came to Idaho with his parents in 1920. Art finished the eighth grade at Oden School and his freshman year at Sandpoint High School. His second year, he followed the love of his life and spent more time at the airport than he did in class playing hooky, and thus dropped out of school.

 In 1930, he went back to school with his brother, Herb, and graduated from Hope High School in 1932. He built a primary glider in shop class.

He went to work on the railroad after high school. In 1936 he went to Indiana for aeronautical engineering, but ran out of money. He went to Chicago and got a job welding and worked in the same shop for over 50 years.

He returned to Idaho in 2003 and resided with his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Nancy.

He owned and built many airplanes and gliders. He would fly his “T” craft to Idaho and land in the hay field. Art never married but had two loves; flying and family.

He is survived by two brothers, Robert and Donald (Nancy) of Sandpoint; two sisters, Ethel Whalen of Sandpoint and Betty (Phil) Csorosz of Missoula, Mony.; sister-in-law: Anita Johnson of Nevada; ten nephews, and seven nieces. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Herbert (Helen), Harry, and Robert's wife Dorothy Johnson.

Memorial services will be conducted  p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at Oden Hall, with Pastor Jon Pomeroy, officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oden Hall Restoration Fund, or to a charity of donor's choice.

Family and friends are invited to sign Art's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.