Obituary - Bryce Edwin Johnson

On July 31, 2015, Bryce Edwin Johnson left this earth to join his wife, Mae, whom he missed greatly since her passing in October 2014.

Bryce was a very respected and active member of the Havre community. He touched many lives in ways that he could never have realized.

A memorial service will be held at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, 410 5th Ave., Havre, Montana, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Eagles Club in Havre following graveside services.

Arrangements have been made with Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.

Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.

Bryce was born to George W Johnson and Rose D. (Mahler) Johnson, on Sept. 16, 1934, in Havre, Mont. He graduated from Havre High School in 1952.

Bryce enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with the 29th Army Band. It was there he met and fell in love with Ume (Mae) Nakachi. On Aug. 13, 1956, Bryce and Mae were united in marriage that would last 58 years, until her passing in 2014. They made a life in Havre until relocating first to Great Falls and then to Omak, Washington. He may have lived other places, but Havre was always his home.

Bryce began his employment career at The Owl Drug, moved on to Lee's Texaco and then to the Great Northern Railroad. After coming home from his military service, Bryce worked at Boeing in Seattle.

He returned to Havre to attend Northern Montana College, majoring in education.He taught at Central Junior/Senior High School as a band director.

Although he loved teaching, due to his expanding family, he took a position with the U.S. Postal Service. Upon his father's retirement, Bryce was appointed by Judge C.B. Elwell and became the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for the 12th Judicial District. He served many local counties until his retirement in 1994. Following his probation officer career, Bryce worked for a time at HRDC and at the Havre Eagles as the secretary.

Bryce was a vital part of the community of Havre as well as the judicial community in which he served. He was a member of many committees and organizations throughout Montana that were aimed at helping troubled juveniles. He was a charter member of the Montana Probation Officers Association, where he served as past president; a charter member of Montana Communities United; and a charter member of the Big Brothers and Sisters Board of Directors in Havre. Bryce was a co-organizer of the Bear Paw Youth Guidance Home. He was very proud of this project, as it was the first home of its type in Montana. Bryce was appointed by the governor judge to serve on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. He was also an active member of the Havre School Board for eight years, and served as chairman of the board for two years.

Bryce could often be found in his garage working on projects. He and Mae spent time camping around the state, and fishing with a fiberglass boat he made. Music was an integral part of his life, and became very important to his children and grandchildren. Bryce enjoyed attending their concerts, and he was very proud of his children and his grandchildren.

Bryce was preceded in death by his parents; George and Rose; brother George Johnson and sister, Margaret Nicholl.

Bryce is survived by his son, Don, of Helena, Montana; daughters, Dory (Rick) Henderson of Helena and Kathy (Joe) Bryson of Okanogan, Washington; brother Frank Johnson of Seattle; and grandchildren, Michael Johnson, Keith Johnson, Jonathon (Bree) Solonar, Josh Solonar, Kendra Bryson, Jacob Bryson, Rikki Henderson; great-grandchild, Hunter Solonar; and various nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bryce's memory to the Bear Paw Youth Guidance Home, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or the charity of your choice.