R.I.P. Gary Johnson

Carguy49 · 04-11-2025, 04:37 PM

Gary passed away April 2 with family and friends nearby. I was there to visit about 2 hours before he passed. Not a phone call you want to get, even though I knew it was coming.

Gary spent the last 50 years or so racing, building hot rods and generally helping or being a friend to ALL. He helped run the infamous Puyallup Raceway that was located south of Puyallup Washington on Meridian Avenue. It closed in 1977.

Gary and his wife Kristine raced many cars, mostly Oldsmobiles. One of the most well known was Big Red a 1978 Olds Delta 88 formerly owned by Bill Kost (R.I.P.)

He will definitely be missed by all who knew him. May God bring comfort to his wife, family and many friends at this time.

Godspeed Gary, love you buddy.

Greg Reimer 7376 · 04-14-2025, 11:45 AM

Real sorry to hear this bit of news. Gary and Kris and the oldsmobiles were a real part of the west coast scene several years ago. They were great people, Gary and his sense of humor, and all of what he brought with him when they were around are very much missed. Haven't seen them in a while, this is sad news. May God bless Kris and their other family and friends at a time such as this.

Carguy49 · 04-14-2025, 12:24 PM

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gary on Tuesday April 29th.

It will be held at The Kelley Farm on the Sumner-Buckley Highway just north of Bonney Lake. The time will be 2 P.M. This is a beautiful facility and has lots of parking for those who can attend. I have been to this place for a few events and I can't think of a better place, unless it was at a drag strip.

If you can, come and celebrate the life of a great guy.

Carguy49 · Today, 12:34 PM

Well, it is the day after the Celebration of Life for Gary Johnson.

The weather was great and I didn't do a head count, but the place holds about 300 people and I don't believe there was an empty chair. The only thing missing was Gary and I told Kris that he sent us the great weather.

Many stories got told and some were true, you know how racers embellish the truth. Lots of hugs and hand shakes among friends. A great video presentation was shown, and one of Gary's daughters (Katie) sang a beautiful song. A time well spent remembering a great guy.

Again - -Godspeed Gary, a great friend missed by many people.

04-11-2025, 04:37 PM	#1
Carguy49 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Fife, Washington Posts: 1,949 Likes: 2,333 Liked 2,834 Times in 681 Posts	R.I.P. Gary Johnson Gary passed away April 2 with family and friends nearby. I was there to visit about 2 hours before he passed. Not a phone call you want to get, even though I knew it was coming. Gary spent the last 50 years or so racing, building hot rods and generally helping or being a friend to ALL. He helped run the infamous Puyallup Raceway that was located south of Puyallup Washington on Meridian Avenue. It closed in 1977. Gary and his wife Kristine raced many cars, mostly Oldsmobiles. One of the most well known was Big Red a 1978 Olds Delta 88 formerly owned by Bill Kost (R.I.P.) He will definitely be missed by all who knew him. May God bring comfort to his wife, family and many friends at this time. Godspeed Gary, love you buddy. __________________ Ron McDowell - Did Race Every day is a Gift - Enjoy with family and friends.

04-14-2025, 11:45 AM	#2
Greg Reimer 7376 VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora,Calif. Posts: 1,130 Likes: 172 Liked 698 Times in 216 Posts	Re: R.I.P. Gary Johnson Real sorry to hear this bit of news. Gary and Kris and the oldsmobiles were a real part of the west coast scene several years ago. They were great people, Gary and his sense of humor, and all of what he brought with him when they were around are very much missed. Haven't seen them in a while, this is sad news. May God bless Kris and their other family and friends at a time such as this.

04-14-2025, 12:24 PM	#3
Carguy49 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Fife, Washington Posts: 1,949 Likes: 2,333 Liked 2,834 Times in 681 Posts	Re: R.I.P. Gary Johnson There will be a Celebration of Life for Gary on Tuesday April 29th. It will be held at The Kelley Farm on the Sumner-Buckley Highway just north of Bonney Lake. The time will be 2 P.M. This is a beautiful facility and has lots of parking for those who can attend. I have been to this place for a few events and I can't think of a better place, unless it was at a drag strip. If you can, come and celebrate the life of a great guy. __________________ Ron McDowell - Did Race Every day is a Gift - Enjoy with family and friends.

Today, 12:34 PM	#4
Carguy49 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Fife, Washington Posts: 1,949 Likes: 2,333 Liked 2,834 Times in 681 Posts	Re: R.I.P. Gary Johnson Well, it is the day after the Celebration of Life for Gary Johnson. The weather was great and I didn't do a head count, but the place holds about 300 people and I don't believe there was an empty chair. The only thing missing was Gary and I told Kris that he sent us the great weather. Many stories got told and some were true, you know how racers embellish the truth. Lots of hugs and hand shakes among friends. A great video presentation was shown, and one of Gary's daughters (Katie) sang a beautiful song. A time well spent remembering a great guy. Again - -Godspeed Gary, a great friend missed by many people. __________________ Ron McDowell - Did Race Every day is a Gift - Enjoy with family and friends. Last edited by Carguy49; Today at 01:59 PM.