Hugh William Johnson

February 24, 1920 - February 28, 2015

Hugh William Johnson Obituary (Age 95) Dr. Hugh William Johnston was born on February 24, 1920, to Hugh and Bertha Johnston in Butte, MT. With his father?s death in 1932 the financial dynamics of the household changed. College was a goal for Hugh so he had a paper route, sold brooms, did odd jobs and laid rail for the Great Northern Railroad in order to pay for his education. Hugh started his college schooling at the Montana School of Mines then moved to Montana State College for his B.S. From there, he attended the University of Illinois receiving his Master of Science degree in 1944. After two years? research, he continued study at the University of Indiana completing his PHD in Chemistry in 1948. Hugh worked for five years with the Bakelite Company doing plastics research. While he enjoyed industrial research, academia had an increasing appeal, and he started that career as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Rutgers College in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953. After four years, he found his home at Whitworth University where he taught Chemistry for eighteen years. His talents and expertise were further recognized by Whitworth University, and he was promoted to serve as Director of Development Services from 1975 ? 1985, after which he retired. In 1969, he married Mary Ruth Boppell. They had thirty-eight happy years that included extensive travel. Mary died in 2007. Hugh had many interests. He enjoyed Archeology, and became an Egyptologist as well as an avid Philatelist. His award-winning, international stamp collection was extensive. He judged at stamp shows. He had a love of railroads and built a fine model railroad display. With retirement he volunteered to expertly work in the archive departments of both the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and Whitworth University. He shared his time and talents to give hundreds of piano recitals in the Spokane area. In addition, he served on many committees at Whitworth and at Rockwood at Hawthorne, his retirement home. Hugh is survived by one niece, three nephews, their extended families, world-wide friends and his beloved companion. Hugh?s memorial service will be held in the Whitworth University Chapel on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, any gifts can be made to the Rockwood Hawthorne Residents? Assistance Endowment Fund. They can be sent to: Rockwood Hawthorne, c/o The Foundation Director, 101 E. Hawthorne, Spokane, WA 99218.