Mervyn Lee Johnson, 66

Mervyn Lee Johnson, 66

Mervyn Lee Johnson, age 66, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away April 12, 2020, at North Idaho Schneidmiller Hospice House.

Merv was born Dec. 20, 1953, in Coeur d’Alene, to Mervyn Harold Johnson and Bernida (Moate). He was the firstborn of six children. In 1955, his family relocated to Plaza, N.D., to go into the farming business. Merv received his primary education locally, eventually transferring to St. Mary’s High School in New England, N.D., where he was a member of the debate team and played trumpet in the jazz band. There he acquired his high school diploma and a lifetime love of learning. After high school, Merv completed three years of college at North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he majored in history. He also attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks for a time, and eventually Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont., where he expanded his education to include film making.

Merv was heavily influenced by his upbringing in North Dakota, as well as his education. He had a lifelong love of history and was an avid reader, and even tried his hand at writing. He enjoyed antique tractors and old barns. Over the years, Merv developed an extensive collection of various tractors, his favorite being John Deere. He appreciated the role each model played in developing this country agriculturally, hence his love for history. Merv was excited to attend a variety of area tractor events and made many good friends who shared the same passion. Merv was a member of the Coeur d’Alene Eagles, and loved to dance.

Those who knew Merv best know that he enjoyed an adventurous life. As a young man, Merv worked for a time in a gold mine in Lead, S.D. He also lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for a couple of years, where he worked construction for a family friend and spent a summer with a seismograph crew off the north coast of Alaska in Prudhoe Bay. He even worked briefly as a DJ.

Eventually, both family and opportunity brought Merv back to Coeur d’Alene, where he decided to make his home. He continued to live life as an adventure, making his living as a set-construction foreman in the film industry, building sets on a variety of movies, which include My Girl, Men of Honor, Benny & Joon, Son-in-Law, A Mighty Wind and others.

Through his work in the film industry, he formed lifelong friendships and experienced a number of travel adventures. Some of his favorites included places such as Germany, Thailand and Italy. In later years, Merv owned and operated Fernan Tractor Service and worked in his uncle’s family business, driving truck.

Merv was a man of faith and was a longtime member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. He was a kind and accepting man with a passion for life. He enjoyed the love of family and was always eager to prioritize family and friends.

Merv is survived by his mother, Bernida Johnson of Coeur d’Alene; his brother, Loren Johnson (Maggie) of Hayden; three sisters: Andrea Sanders (Myron) of Beaverton, Ore., Sonja Enger (Larry Walker) of Coeur d’Alene and Julie Moslander (Tim) of Butte, Mont.; nine nieces and nephews: Ezekiel Walker, Alacias Enger (Cosette Brown), Anette Enger, Jared Sanders (Amanda), Tyler Johnson, Zachary Moslander (Heather), Sarah Johnson, Seth Moslander (Lizzy) and Caleb Moslander; and one grandnephew, Mac Moslander.

Merv was preceded in death by his father, Harold Johnson; sister, Lucinda (Cindy) Johnson; maternal grandparents Thomas and Margaret Moate; aunt, Helen Irons; paternal grandparents Arnie and Della Johnson; uncle, Clayton Johnson; aunt, Doris Johnson; and cousin, William (Billy) Johnson.

“You may or may not make a million dollars in life, a song may not be sung in praise of you, monuments may not be erected in your name but you have lived life fully, gave wholeheartedly, did your best with what you have, impacted souls, used your gifts and talents, lived, loved and are leaving a legacy in your own way.”

In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Merv’s life by making a donation in his name to North Idaho Schneidmiller Hospice House.

A memorial Mass will take place at 1 p.m. on June 16, 2020, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. All are welcome to remember Merv and celebrate his life. You may leave your condolences at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com