Donald “DJ” W. Johnson, 83

Donald “DJ” W. Johnson, 83, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2022. He was born Aug. 6, 1938, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Roy E. Johnson and Norma (Parker) Johnson. DJ grew up in Kimberly, Idaho and graduated from Kimberly High School with the class of 1956. He married Eleanor Canfield, Dec. 29, 1959. The couple knew each other for 68 years and were married for 62 wonderful years.

DJ began his career in southern Idaho with the Idaho Department of Transportation in 1956 and transferred to the north Idaho district in 1969 at the age of 31. He retired in 1999 after 44 years of service with the state. Soon after retiring, he began working for the Coeur d’Alene School District as a substitute custodian for 18 years, a position he took pride in.

Don and Eleanor Johnson raised their five children in the downtown Coeur d’Alene area. To him, his family was his greatest accomplishment. Time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought much joy to DJ’s life. Many days of the week Don could be found enjoying golf and was part of a men’s league for many years. He was quite remarkable as a handyman also — reaching out to anyone who asked for help around their home. While travelling outside of Coeur d’Alene, he loved spending time with his wife and family on the Oregon Coast. Every two years for nearly 30 years, Don looked forward to the “Johnson Family Reunion” at locations throughout the northwest.

He is survived by Eleanor (Canfield) Johnson, wife, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Shelly Anderson, daughter, of Hayden, Idaho; Julie Clock, daughter, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Connie Berger, daughter, and husband Scott, of Athol, Idaho; Laurie Carter, daughter, and husband Jeff, of Kuna, Idaho; Scot, son, and wife Danielle, of Nehalem, Ore.; Denny Johnson, brother, and wife Nancy of Port Angeles, Wash.; Bob Johnson, brother, and wife Linda, of Meridian, Idaho; Linda Snow, sister, and husband Fred of Nampa, Idaho; Carol McMillan, sister, and husband Vern of Yuma, Ariz.. Grandchildren: Jerad Anderson, Brooke Vig, Matt Anderson, Nick Berger, Jack Carter, Dylan Johnson, Devon Johnson, Mason Johnson. Great-grandchildren: Emily Vig, Carson Vig, Alex Vig, Ashlyn Vig, Aiden Anderson, Harlen Anderson, Conley Anderson. His extended family included many nephews and nieces also. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Karen Fiscus, sister, and Harold “Butch” Johnson, brother.

Don gave the best hugs with a little extra squeeze before letting go. Don’s presence will be missed by everyone, but his memories are our keepsake. A celebration of life for DJ will take place this fall in Depoe Bay, Ore.

Please consider making a charitable donation on Don’s behalf to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.