Henry Scott Johnson

Scott’s sense of humor was lively, often teasing that it was his “kiddy cruise” since he enlisted at the age of 17. He was a submariner “torpedo man” aboard the USS Char.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy at age 20, he attended Michel College and later transferred to University of Vermont and graduated with a degree in agriculture, and that is where he met his beloved wife, Elaine Wright. Scott was a member of Sigma Phi fraternity, was senior class president and Kake Walk King. Later he completed a master’s degree in horticulture at Oregon State University.

On June 15, 1963, Scott married Elaine Wright in Bound Brook, N.J. Future employment with Oregon State Extension as a home horticulturist brought them to Oregon and to their union were blessed two sons. Later Scott joined Birds Eye and then General Foods as a field man in Woodburn.

In 1969, Scott was transferred with General Foods CVC to Modesto, Calif. After 11 years, he had the opportunity to partner in construction and served as a superintendent with Rule Development. This endeavor led to investment income property ownership and management business. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished his friends he made during his time in Real Estate Central Valley Investors and as president of the apartment association. He also served the community over 10 years in Kiwanis and as a member of Community Presbyterian.

The family lived in Modesto for three decades. The Johnson family enjoyed skiing, tennis at SOS club, water-skiing, house-boating, and sailing. Scott had a keen sense of adventure and traveled extensively all over the world with his beloved wife and children.

In the pursuit of thriving retirement Scott and Elaine moved to Hood River, Ore., in 2001. Hood River continued to offer Scott the pursuit of his beloved passions of fishing, gardening, hiking, windsurfing, biking, environmental conservation and community service. Scott served in Hood River Lions and as a board member of The History Museum of Hood River County. He was an active member of Riverside Community Church, serving on the council, foundation, and fundraisers.

Scott dedicated his life to earth conservation and produced magnificent fruits and vegetables his entire life. As an avid gardener, he established the Community Gardens in 2012.

Scott is survived by his wife, Elaine Johnson, and will be dearly missed by his sons, Erik and Kent, of California; and their spouses and his five grandchildren.

Memorials are encouraged to be made in Scott’s name (in lieu of flowers) to the Hood River Relay for Life which he and Elaine had planned to walk this year.

A service to honor and celebrate Scott’s life is planned for 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Riverside Community Church, 317 State St., Hood River.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.