William Gordon Johansen, Jr

My darling Bill, I will love and miss you forever. William Gordon Johansen Jr. passed away on Nov 22, 2023. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Bill was born on March 17, 1957 in Boston, Massachusetts, to William Gordon and Rachelle Johansen. Bill graduated from Coconut Creek High School where he was the star of the basketball team. Following High School Bill graduated from The College of The Air Force with a degree in Air Transportation and Management, and proudly served in the grade of Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1978-1981, Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Bill was an extreme asset to the Passenger Service Section. His professionalism and dedication are qualities that made the 437th Aerial Port the "Best in the Air Force" for the year 1979-1980. Bill's devotion to duty and loyalty to his unit and the Air Force were far above normal, and those qualities carried over in all that Bill did, and into how he lived his life. The very nature of Bill's life was service. His belief was that there was no greater calling than to serve others. Following Bill's service in the Air Force, he began his career with Alaska Airlines in Seattle Washington. That is where Bill and I met on a blind date in July of 1988. When you know, you know! We married on January 21, 1989 in Pocatello, Idaho, my home town. We were married in the Greek Orthodox Church in Pocatello in the winter time! A celebration to remember that took place on a Saturday followed by Super Bowl Sunday, 49ers vs Cincinnati. Our marriage started out with family and friends having fun-opening wedding gifts, enjoying food, and watching football. We bought our first home in Federal Way Washington in 1990, and soon after had our first child, our son Michael. Later came another son, Chris, and finally our daughter, Analisa. As the years rolled past Bill was promoted several times, allowing me to stay home with our children for over Thirteen years. A choice we never regreted. Those years were busy. Bill coached basketball, soccer, and baseball for all of our kid's teams. He was devoted to serving as a coach and mentor and he cherished every moment. He always stayed late so the kids could play longer. Bill supported the interests and passions of all of our children. He was their biggest fan, proud of all they accomplished. As Mike put it about golf, it doesn't matter if it's 65 or 85, he's always proud. Our son Chris remembers being introduced to his love of music by Bill, and Analisa admired Bill for his ability to light up a room, his big warm heart, his tenacious attitude, and the way he would show up for her no matter what. As fathers go, Bill amazed me at every turn. Being married to a hot tempered Greek woman is not easy. He had a calming presence and would always be the voice of reason and peace in our home. He listened to understand, and he showed up 100% of the time for all of us. Bill also served in our church in Tacoma Washington. St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. He led a youth group on outings to the Olympic Peninsula, and even secured a unique opportunity for the youth group to experience a flight simulator, practicing take off and landing of aircraft.Bill served on our Church council and chaired the annual Greek Festival in Tacoma. In 2001 Bill made a career move after 21 years with Alaska Airlines, and embarked on a new career. We built a new home in Vancouver Washington, where Bill immediately stepped up to serve as the HOA president, taking on the responsibilities of establishing a new HOA. He loved serving the neighborhood. Bill had the unique ability to talk with people he had never met before and walk away knowing their life's history! The magic in that is that Bill truly cared about people and was always interested in their stories. He served as HOA president for twenty two years, until he passed away. He will be missed by all. Bill enjoyed a long career with Lynden Transportation, later serving as President of Brown Line LLC. He was the best president that Brown Line LLC ever had. Before falling ill, Bill served as Executive Vice President of Sorenson Transportation. He worked tirelessly for our family and was the most amazing father and husband. He loved with all his heart, and he was generous and kind. Bill's hobbies included weight lifting, golfing, fishing, bbq-ing, and having the greenest lawn in the neighborhood. He also prided himself on being the best host of any gathering. He made sure that we threw the very best celebrations for the kid's graduations, birthdays, and any special days. He curated amazing birthday celebrations for me, including planned wine tasting tours, and five star dinners with the entire family. He was the gold standard as a husband and father. My loving husband was patient, kind, generous, protective, and wise. He said "I love you", and he meant it. He always let me think I was right. He is the love of my life, I will always love and miss my dear Bill with all of my heart. Bill is survived by his wife Sophia, Children, Michael [Mallory] Johansen, Christopher Johansen and Analisa Johansen, Godson Kenneth Clark, his mother Rachelle Thomas, sisters Linda [Max] James, Laurie [Joe] Mazzola, nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Bill will be held on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 at 9:00 AM at:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral3131 NE Glisan St.Portland, OR 97232 Private Burial at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver Washington A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at:Royal Oaks Country Club8917 NE Fourth Plain BlvdVancouver, Wa 98662The dress code at Royal Oaks Country Club requires NO DENIM, NO SWEAT SHIRTS In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's honor can be made to either of the following: The Wounded Warrior Projecthttps://www.woundedwarriorproject.org Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church518 N 5th Ave.Pocatello, ID 83201

William Gordon Johansen, Jr

March 17, 1957 - November 22, 2023