Curtis Curt George Johnson was born on April 20, 1944 at Honolulu Hawaii while his parents Al & Bea Johnson were stationed at Pearl Harbor during World War II. After the war, his family was transferred to the Presidio in San Francisco. During college, Curt worked seasonally for the National Park Service (NPS) at Lassen Volcano National Park. He graduated from Fresno State University, majoring in geography and geology with a minor in history. He went to work with the NPS as a law enforcement Park Ranger at the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. He enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served four years as a Marine Science Technician aboard the USCGC Kalamath. Upon his discharge, he returned to the Blue Ridge Parkway where he met and married Rosemary Schmitt. They were transferred to Death Valley National Monument where he was an Interpretive Park Ranger. His son Chris was born while in Death Valley and passed away in 2022. After four years in the hot, dry desert, he was transferred to Fort Clatsop National Memorial (now Lewis & Clark National Historical Park) in Astoria Oregon as Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management. His son Sean was born while they lived in the Park. In 1992, the family moved into their first home after years in NPS housing. Curt was meticulous in the restoration of the 1880 home which is still a project in the works. Curt retired from the NPS in 2001 and worked part-time for the Ft. Clatsop Historical Association in the book store. He loved doing the costumed demonstrations for the NPS and was even able to do them for other agencies including once at the Clinton White House.

Curt loved all things related to American History especially Civil War, Lewis & Clark, Gold Rush, Custer, and the Indian Wars. This love combined with his interest in geology led to his well-known passion for collecting ROCKS (not pebbles) and dirt from everywhere he visited. He was a Civil War re-enactor with the NW Civil War Council, 69th NY Volunteer Infantry, and Sons of Union Veterans. He served as a Cub Master and Cub Scout leader working with dozens of boys in Clatsop County for over 20 years.

The only thing he loved more than history was the pride he had in his two sons and embraced son Jason, and the devotion he had for his grandchildren Nea, Spencer, Yaz, Odin, and Maddox. He loved to play with them and instill in them a sense of patriotism and love of history while having fun. Curt loved to travel but the last few years of his life became increasingly limited, and he was home-bound. Visits from family and friends were his only respite from his otherwise restrictive life style and he looked forward to them. The entire family celebrated with Curt and Rosemary for their 50th wedding anniversary and Curts 80th birthday in April 2024.

Curt passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 8, 2025 at the age of 80 years. He is survived by his wife Rosemary Johnson, son Sean, grandchildren Nea, Spencer, Yaz, Odin, Maddox, embraced son Jason Mullaney, family members in VA and SC. His son Chris preceded him in death.

A service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9:00 am at Caldwells Mortuary. Everyone is invited to bring an item to add to the coffin that is special to you or Curt. Graveside military services at Fort Stevens National Cemetery will be held at 11:00 am, with a Celebration of Life and reception to follow at Astoria Elks Lodge, second floor, 453 11th Street at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Battlefield Trust (Civil War battlefield preservation); NW Civil War Council; or Fort Clatsop Historical Association.