Steven Martin Johnson

Steven Martin Johnson of Bellingham, Washington, died peacefully and surrounded with love on August 13, 2025 at the age of 79.

Steve was born in Bellingham, Washington on April 24, 1946 to Martin Johnson and Elrose (Griffin) Schnabel. He married Carole Burton (now Carole Harrington) on February 26, 1965. They raised 3 daughters, Mindy Feathers (September 21,1965-November 21,1994), Stephani Zerbst (Erich), and Kristal Grimstead (Eric).

Steve graduated from Bellingham High School in 1964. As a young man, he worked for the Great Northern Railway Company in Whatcom County. He then fished for rockfish and lingcod until he was hired to work the potlines and operate heavy equipment at Intalco Aluminum. He retired after 30 years. After retirement, he was employed by the Nooksack Tribe where he operated heavy equipment for 10 years. In addition to his work, Steve volunteered for many years as a firefighter and EMT first at Custer Fire Station, then Laurel Fire Station.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time in nature - whether fishing and SCUBA diving in our local waters or hunting in Eastern Washington. Steve had a passion for aviation and proudly earned his wings as a recreational pilot. He also had a deep love for motorcycles, especially Harleys. You could often find him out in the barn, tinkering on a new project or keeping time with classic rock, “music with real drums”, on his drum kit.

Wherever he went, Steve made friends. He had a charming personality and a great sense of humor. He loved to tell funny stories and to share inside jokes with friends and family. If he ever gave you a nickname, you were one of his favorite people.

Steve is survived by his loving daughters Stephani (Erich) and Kristal (Eric); his grandchildren Charissa, Madison, Summer (Joel), Chase, Jay, Drew, Lily (Kaspar), and his great grandsons, Finn and Lincoln; and his sisters Barbara Craker of Harrisonburg, VA and Patricia Johnson of Washington, DC.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Martin, his mother Elrose, and his beloved daughter Mindy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 12, at Westford Funeral Home (1301 Broadway). A reception will follow.