Charles Daniel Johnson
Charles D. Johnson, 89, of Longmont and formerly of Hollis, Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on August 14th. Charles was born on August 29th, 1924 in Evanston Illinois, the son of Oscar and Anna Johnson, second generation Swedish Americans. He was the youngest of four sons.
Charles served a short stint in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, graduating Phi Beta Kappa.
After graduating, he received an invitation from his cousin, John, to visit Costa Rica. While there he witnessed the Country's 1948 civil war, beginning a lifelong love of this beautiful Country and its people. Dad would say that "never has he felt so connected to the human race as when he was in Costa Rica". He taught English as a Second Language at the University of Costa Rica. Charles immersed himself in the culture and politics of this small Central American nation, becoming proficient in Spanish. He married Maria Cecilia Quiros and they had two sons, Jerry and "Chuckie", and a daughter, Ana.
In 1961, Charles went back to the University of Michigan where he furthered his studies, graduating with a PhD in Education. Later, he accepted a position as a Senior English Training Instructor for the Arabian American Oil Company in Saudi Arabia. It was the beginning of 14 years with ARAMCO. Another son, Stephen, was born in Saudi Arabia. Living in Saudi Arabia provided unique opportunities for travel and cultural diversity for the family. Charles spent a short period back home in the States, but returned to Saudi Arabia with his second wife Sheila Plummer in 1979. After retiring from ARAMCO in 1982, Charles and Sheila, along with Stephen, settled in Southern Maine.
Charles continued his involvement with English as a Second Language training, even spending some time back in his beloved Costa Rica teaching there. He was a prolific writer of notes to himself which he put together into two books, LITTLE SUMMER OF SAINT JOHN and MIREYA'S WEDDING. Both books were about the social and cultural aspects of Costa Rican life as well as its' political history from 1948 until 1961. Charles was also passionate about American, Middle Eastern, and Latin American Politics. He was especially concerned with the plight of the Palestinian people, as well as all aspects of the human condition. No more compassionate man could be found and it was a trait which all of his children were engrained with in their own lives. Charles loved his life in Southern Maine with Sheila and his constant companions Max and then Elka. He especially loved to spend time at the summer "camp" on the shores of Moosehead Lake in Greenville. In 2009, Charles, Sheila, and Elka moved to Longmont, Colorado to be closer to Ana and Steve. It was here that he would say every morning "Is this beautiful Colorado?"
Charles is survived by his brother, Jim, his beloved wife, Sheila, his beloved dog, Elka and his four children, Jerry (Michele), Charles (Vanessa), Ana, and Stephen (Diana). He had seven wonderful grandchildren: Joshua, Shawn, Jon Michael, Schiara, Joe, Sally, Nicolas, and Ronan. He also had four equally wonderful great grandchildren: Ansley, Abby, Ana and Hailey. For so many years he was the center of our lives and we shall miss him greatly. And most especially we will miss his sense of humor, even in the most trying of circumstances.
A memorial celebration will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Family Hospice Foundation, 1790 30th St., Suite 306, Boulder, Colorado 80301 in memory of Charles D. Johnson.