BOMBER MEMORIAL
WILLIAM BARD "BILL"/"BJ" JOHNS JR ~ Class of 1972
April 30, 1953 - January 11, 2018
William Bard "Bill"/"BJ" Johns Jr was born in Ogden, UT on April 30, 1953, to Bill and Betty Johns. He passed away at Kadlec Hospital on January 11, 2018, from cancer.
Bill moved to Richland about 53 years ago and graduated "A Bomber" in 1972.
He then joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for three years. After returning home he went to CBC and became a draftsman which he loved! His last job was working for Areva for about 17 years.
BJ met his wife, Debbie, 29 years ago and began what we called the "Johns' Adventures": rafting, fishing, camping, Blue's fests and quad riding. We were accompanied by family and great friends on a bunch of our adventures. We were lucky enough to get "our Happy Place" at Lake Roosevelt two years ago and spent every minute we could there.
Bill was diagnosed on Valentine's Day and fought hard until the end. He always kept his sense of humor and never complained about his treatment. He never met a stranger and loved animals like family. Bill was the 16-year old that never grew up, and I am so thankful for that!
He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Debbie: sons, KD and Mac; granddaughters, Taylor and Baylea; great grandsons: Ryan, Hunter, and one more due in February (another boy); and his dad, Bill Sr. Bill is also survived by more friends than I can name, you know who you are.
His brother, Rod ('73), passed away July 13, 1992.
The family would like to thank the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and Kadlec hospital, doctors and nurses who worked so hard to keep him comfortable.
There will be no services at his request. A very special thank you to our friends for supporting us through this last adventure!
"Honey, thank you for 29 exciting years and don't forget to walk Yukon and Copper, build the biggest fires and don't catch too many walleye without me!"
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Published in the Tri-City Herald on January 18, 2018.
Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).