NORMAN JOHNSON, Obituary

Norman T. Johnson, 78, retired Social Security field representative, died Thursday, March 7, 2002, at a Havre care facility of natural causes.

Funeral vigil is scheduled for Monday at the Holland and Bonine Chapel. Funeral Service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Jude Catholic Church with

Fr. Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial is to follow at the Highland Cemetery. Fellowship luncheon to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Norman was born Sept. 6, 1923 to Norman T. and Mary A. (Hines) Johnson at Lynn, Mass. He graduated from the Lynn Massachusetts Classical High School and from the University of Arizona (after the Air Force).

During World War II, Norman enlisted with the Air Force. He was a Photographer AAR Corp. from June 10, 1943, through Dec. 23, 1946, and was stationed in the following countries: England, France and the United States. He was in the following battles and campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Air Offensive Europe. He received the following decorations and citations: Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and European African Middle Eastern Ribbon. Norman's occupational specialty was photography instruction, and his highest grade held was captain.

After returning from Europe, Norman married Mary Lue Matcalf. To this union, two children were born. The couple later divorced.

Norman started with the Social Security Administration in Trinidad, Colo., in 1955. He worked in the district offices in Helena and Great Falls. He took an assignment in Havre as its field representative Oct. 9, 1961, and retired in 1985.

He was a member of the Helena Lodge Number 3, AF&AM since 1958. During this time, he was a Master Mason. He was a member of the Algeria Temple in Havre, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Havre, and St. Jude Catholic Church in Havre.

Norman enjoyed fishing, repairing clocks and watches, visiting with people of all ages, and painting many of his paintings are on display at the Northern Montana Care Center in Havre. Norman had a special place in his heart for abused animals.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Norman T. and Mary A. (Hines) Johnson; daughter, Susan G. Johnson in 1999; infant son.

He is survived by all his special friends.

Memorials in Norman's honor may be made to: St. Jude Catholic Church, 624 Fourth Street, Havre, MT 59501, or the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, P. O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.