Tony Johnson

Tony Row Johnson passed away unexpectedly on February 22, 2015, after a short but intense illness. Tony was born in La Nesa, Texas on December 26, 1952, to Dorothy Fay and Toney R. Johnson. The Johnsons moved to Banks, Oregon in 1959, when Tony was six years old. Tony spent his formative years in Banks and graduated from Banks High School in 1971.

In 1978, Tony met Lydia Buehner, who was his constant and life partner through the time of his death. Tony and Lydia had two children, Justin and Juliana, and a six-year old grandchild, Jocelyn, all of whom he loved fiercely. Tony was particularly close with his granddaughter, Jocelyn, with whom he shared a special bond. Tony's family loved him beyond measure and knew they could always count on him in life to care for them. Tony and Lydia had recently moved back to Forest Grove after living in Vernonia for the last 20 years.

In addition to his family, Tony loved his friends, his dogs and cats, just about all things mechanical and especially, motorcycles. His prize possession was his Harley Davidson, which he painstakingly restored, often in the company of his good friends John Lowe, Kevin Mooneyham, Roger Shaw, Tim Perry and Charles "Animal" Brown at John's shop on Porter Road. Given the guys' common love for motorcycles and all the time they spent at John's shop, they became known as the Porter Road Chopper Crew. Tony was a member of Washington County's chapter of ABATE, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes motorcycle awareness, education, safety and liberty through community involvement and legislative action. Other than his family and friends, Tony loved nothing more than to take long rides on his Harley with his crew.

Among Tony's family and friends, he was a stand-up guy who could be counted on always to lend a hand, whether the task required his jack-of-all trades handyman experience, expert drywall know-how, roofing, real estate expertise or whatever else needed fixing. For most of Tony's working life, he was a self-employed remodel and repair expert, specializing in dry walling, which he learned to do in the late 1970's and early 80's from his good friend John Lowe. For the last two years, Tony was employed as a machinist at Pacific Air Switch Corporation's fabrication department in Forest Grove.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Anthony and Fred, and his beloved dogs Rosie and Duncan. Tony is survived by his wife Lydia and Lydia's son, James Buehner, Tony's children, grandchild, his siblings Marvin, Mary Sanders and Joyce Lardy, and too many good friends to count. Arrangements are under the direction of the Donelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Hillsboro.

There will be a celebration of life ceremony on Saturday, March 7 at 12:00 p.m. at the home of John and Sharon Moe, 2345 Northwest Porter Road, Forest Grove. Rob Steeves will be the master of ceremonies. Please bring your favorite dish to share and whatever you would like to drink, as this will be a potluck-style celebration. The family would appreciate any donations to help ease the transition from their financial dependence on Tony. The family is accepting donations online at Give Forward - Tony Johnson or at the ceremony:

You may contact John or Sharon Lowe for additional details. Sharon (503) 484-8323, John (503) 380-3966, or by e-mail: sharnjohn13@gmail.com .