ForeverMissed
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Arnold Joseph “Stub” Johnson was born November 7, 1918 to Alma (Gesvald) and Joseph Johnson in Northwood, North Dakota. When his mother Alma died five days later in the Spanish influenza epidemic that swept the nation (followed by Alma's sister Selma and Joseph's brother Oscar the next day, and making his father Joseph critically ill with a collapsed lung), other families stepped in to care for Arnold and his older brother Mickey.  Arnold was to be separated from his father, brother, and five younger half-sisters (Ethel, Edith, Hazel, Helen, and Doris) for most of his childhood.

At age 3 1/2, Arnold joined the family of his paternal aunt Hilda and uncle Charles Lindstrom who raised him along with their seven children.  Since one of their sons was named Arnold, the Lindstroms called Arnold Joseph “Stub”, a nickname he was known by his whole life.

In 1929 the Lindstrom family relocated to LaConner, Washington, and later moved to the Sedro Woolley area.  Stub graduated from Sedro Woolley High School in 1936 (where he played football, and the drums).  He joined the Navy in February 1937.  Shortly after finishing his first hitch (where notably he visited Guantanamo and spent time at Pearl Harbor), the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II.  Stub returned to the Navy for a second hitch, serving in the Pacific until the war ended in 1945.  During his naval career, Stub served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington, as well as two cruisers, U.S.S. Salt Lake City and U.S.S. Amsterdam (he had stories to tell about that ship’s “shake down” voyage). He was a Gunners Mate First Class.

Stub married Delores (Johnson) in 1942, after completing his first tour.  They welcomed their daughter, Diana, in 1944, while on his second tour.

After the war, Stub went to work at Skagit Steel, where he earned his journeyman’s card as a machinist.  But, after seven years, he decided to go into business for himself.  With a navy buddy, Stub bought a drive in, “Chicken in the Straw” in Burlington.  The two men split the cook’s duty and built the business into a favorite lunch spot for locals, especially on game nights.  This wasn’t Stub’s only venture as a restaurateur – years later he would run THE HATCHCOVER restaurant with a friend.

Stub had a passion for cars, and for years he wanted to be part of the automobile business. In 1951 he got his chance.  He answered a newspaper ad for a car salesman.  He was hired on the spot and agreed to start just as soon as he got back from his hunting trip.  For 31 years, Stub sold cars – in Sedro Woolley, Mount Vernon, Bellingham and Ferndale.  As sales manager for Fraser Chevrolet in Bellingham, Stub hired a young guy, Jerry Chambers, as a lot boy.  Years later, Chambers hired Stub as a salesman.

Stub made many friends over the years here and in Arizona, where he and Delores wintered with their RV for ten years after Stub retired (at Valle de Sol RV park).  Following a long illness, Delores died in 1993.  They were married over 50 years.

Stub was an avid sportsman, and he went on yearly hunting trips for 49 years. He loved to boat in the San Juan Islands and to fish for salmon. He would later introduce his grandchildren to crabbing off the bridge and dock in Boulevard Park.  Stub loved animals and particularly dogs, and was a skilled dog trainer as well.

In 1994, Stub married Anne (Baughman) Valum and opened his heart to include her family with his.  Anne’s children and extended family likewise accepted Stub into their family and cared for him as their own. They had been married for 20 years when she passed away on New Years morning of 2015. 

In recent years, Stub lived in various assisted living communities including the Parkway Chateau, Summit Place and Mt. Baker in Fairhaven, and finally Avamere in Tigard, OR, near family.

An extrovert, Stub always enjoyed people, whether through work, family, church (he was a member of Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham for many years), the Lion’s Club, Elks, Masons, or his coffee group whom he joined every morning for many years.  He had a lightning wit (even at 97). 

Stub leaves behind his daughter Diana, who married Marcus Ingle, and three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Aric Ingle, married to Micki, with children Zephyr, Zaiden, and Zyler; Danika Wiggins, married to Parrish, with children Jace and Tye; and Aaron Ingle, married to Michelle, with children Edison, Gerard, and Frederick.  He is dearly missed.

Stub's life story in pictures is located under "His Life" tab.  Many additional pictures are in the "Gallery", and you are invited to please share pictures and memories of Stub.

May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016
My wife Kathleen and I knew Stub as a gracious, cheerful friend for
many years at Central Lutheran Church. He was a good husband to
the elegant, beautiful Dee, who was a very special woman. Later
he married our dear friend, Anne and life began anew for them both.

Stub, or "Spud," as I incorrectly called him for years because I was hard
of hearing, was always very kind and friendly. He truly did enjoy people
and opened his heart to many.

He also gave us lots of good advice about buying cars, which we
have followed and appreciated to this day.

So, Diana and family - you each have our heartfelt sympathies on
the passing of your fine loved one.

Remember and trust that: Love is stronger than death.

Friends In Christ, George & Kathleen Keegahn

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Recent Tributes
May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016
My wife Kathleen and I knew Stub as a gracious, cheerful friend for
many years at Central Lutheran Church. He was a good husband to
the elegant, beautiful Dee, who was a very special woman. Later
he married our dear friend, Anne and life began anew for them both.

Stub, or "Spud," as I incorrectly called him for years because I was hard
of hearing, was always very kind and friendly. He truly did enjoy people
and opened his heart to many.

He also gave us lots of good advice about buying cars, which we
have followed and appreciated to this day.

So, Diana and family - you each have our heartfelt sympathies on
the passing of your fine loved one.

Remember and trust that: Love is stronger than death.

Friends In Christ, George & Kathleen Keegahn
Recent stories

Stub on the "go"

May 14, 2016

When I first met Stub and DeeDee about 50 years ago, it was obvious that they were "go getters". Then, after I learned to speak Thai, I realized that "dee" in Thai means go. And "dee dee" means to go fast. Stub and Dee were "goers". The Ingle family loved being with them - always something going on. Marcus

May 13, 2016

Smoochi was Stub and Anne's cat for many years.  When they were no longer able to have him with them they missed him terribly.  For Stub's birthday I was able to arrange for Smoochi to come and visit.  They were so happy to see him again and Smoochi definitely recognized Stub.

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