Extracted from The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, CA)
Sunday, December 4, 2005

JOHNSON, Charles Benson

“Ben” Johnson passed away at his son's home in Petaluma on December 1, 2005.

Loving father of Ben Johnson of Petaluma, Mark Johnson of Pt. Reyes, Michelle Stanfield of OK, Rebel Johnson-Mazar of Vacaville, Charles “Chip” Johnson of Willits, and the late Jay Johnson. Beloved brother of Joyce Johnson of Sacramento, Tom Johnson of Petaluma and the late Jim Johnson and Wilma Johnson. Cherished grandfather of 10. Former husband of Joan Clifton and the late Deanna Gibson.

Ben was born in Diamond, MO on November 22, 1933 to Wilma and Charles Johnson. He graduated from Riverton High School in Riverton, KS, where he was the class president, homecoming king and captain of the football team. Ben attended Pittsburgh State College on a baseball scholarship and later moved to Washington, where he learned the art of raising oysters. In July, 1957, Ben, his brother Tom and their father started the Johnson Oyster Farm in Inverness which they ran through 2004.

A Viewing will be held on Monday, December 5, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 745 N. Webster St., Petaluma, CA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952 in Ben's memory.