Submitted by: Dan Rich

Harry K. Johnson

May 4, 1924 - Nov. 5, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/9/2008

GRANGER - Harry K. Johnson, 84, of Granger, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5th, in his home. He was born on May 4, 1924, in Sodus, Michigan, to (the late) Claude and Uda Johnson. On December 28, 1949, in Sodus, MI, he married his lovely wife, Helen V. Newton. He is survived by his dedicated wife, Helen; daughter, Cindy K. Philipson and her husband (Andrew) of Plymouth, IN; daughter-in-law, Dorrine Johnson of South Bend; and four amazing grandchildren, Sarah A. Johnson, Shawn A. Johnson, Lauren R. Johnson and Chris A. Philipson. Preceding him in death were his son, Chris D. Johnson, and his sister, Jane Johnston. When his children were young, he was known as the "best dad" in the neighborhood. If he wasn't building slot car race tracks or go-carts for his kids, he was often seen playing at the roller skating rink, sledding or swimming and water skiing with them. Harry was many things to many people. He was a WWII Army veteran, he served Equifax for over 35 years as an insurance claim investigator, he was a past master of the Council Oak Masonic Lodge #745 in South Bend, an avid fisherman with his best buddy, Les Selig, a member of River Park United Methodist Church, a Boy Scout troop leader, and a very thoughtful friend and neighbor. Most often, the neighbor's lawn or snow removal was attended to before his own. He was a caring man who taught us all the importance and value of a hard day's work.