Thomas 'Tom' Arnold Johnson, 87

Thomas Arnold Johnson, much-loved husband, father, teacher, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away in his home in Hayden, Idaho, on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. His family was at his side during his last days and will treasure always the gift of his presence in their lives.

Tom was born April 28, 1936, in East Orange, N.J., to Rosemary [Tierney] and Donald Hall Johnson, joining older sibling Carolyn (and later being a playful big brother to his younger sister, Rosemary). As an engineer for Dupont, Colo., his father worked to develop the atomic bomb before succumbing to leukemia from radiation poisoning; 8-year-old Tom last saw his father departing their Hanford, Wash., home in an ambulance. His mother relocated the family to Pasadena, Calif., where he grew up with a passion for working on cars and later married Diane Howard on Nov. 24, 1957. 

Tom enjoyed recounting the story of his romance with Diane. On leave from basic training for Christmas 1954, he saw her waiting at a bus stop and offered a ride; she didn’t recognize him with his Army buzzcut and declined. Fortunately, Tom persisted, and by New Year’s Eve, when he departed for his base, they promised to write to each other. That sparked a bond that deepened during his service in Germany, and a year following his discharge, they wed and embarked on their life together, ultimately sharing 65 years of partnership and devotion before Diane’s passing in 2022.

After graduating with a B.A. from California State University, Los Angeles, where he later earned an M.A. in education, Tom taught at Santa Monica High School, directing the vocational automotive technology program for 19 years. His students demonstrated their skills in troubleshooting competitions, memorably winning the national championship in 1965, and many went on to distinguished careers in the automotive field that they credit to his influence. He and Diane built a home with their three daughters in Topanga, Calif., where they enjoyed a tight-knit circle of friends that continued even after their move to Idaho in 1979. After taking a break for the construction of their new house, Tom returned to teaching, first in Post Falls and then at Project C.D.A., an alternative school where his innovative classroom style translated science into practical skills in a Principles of Physics course. He saw a lot of himself in his students, who often struggled in traditional academics, and once again he served as a mentor and inspiration. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1991. Tom and Diane retired in 1998 but continued their engagement with teaching, as Tom for many years tutored elementary school pupils in reading.

In retirement, Tom and Diane were fortunate to explore many places in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Canada, as well as exotic locations on several continents. They returned often to California and made multiple trips to Hawaii with family and friends. Tom embraced his love of Porsches that began in Germany, acquiring several cars and participating in the local Porsche club. Their family expanded as they added seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, celebrating countless birthday and holiday gatherings at their home on the lake. 

Preceded in death by his dear wife, Diane; his sister, Carolyn Clem; and nephew Don Clem (Tana). Tom is survived by his sister, Rosemary Conway (Michael); daughters Jodi Johnson, Lisa Williksen (Al) and Karen Johnson (Jim Clawson); grandchildren Ryan Hartshorn (Heather), Cheryl Blackwood (Brian), Brittney Fairbanks (Chris), Gillian Larson, McKinley Dixon, Kylan Dixon and Morgan Dixon; and 10 great-grandchildren: Mason, Austin, Cohen, Camden, Baylor, Beau, Bree, Thomas, Bennett and Ty; as well as nephew Mike Clem (Janet) and niece Kathleen Thompson (Greg) and their families; nephew Stephen Conway (Nednapit) and family; Don Clem’s family; cousin Stephen Tierney, and the family of his cousin, Roger “Rocky” Tierney (Carol), who also preceded him.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held April 20, 2024. For more information, and to sign his online guestbook please visit the Yates Funeral Home website at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the local Humane Society (www.companionsanimalcenter.org).