Martin "Buzz" Luthur Johnson

MARTIN "BUZZ" JOHNSON 57, of Carlotta California, in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 15, 2015 went home to be with the Lord. Even in the midst of pain, Buzz used his last breaths to say "I love you" to those closest to him. Martin "Buzz" Johnson was born in Bremerton, Washington on March 17, 1957 to Martin and Shirley Balcunas Johnson. In the spring of 1964, Martin, Sr. and Shirley loaded up their seven children and moved from Washington to California. As the oldest boy in the family, Buzz became the man of the house at 15 when his father suffered a fatal heart attack. Buzz's father taught him how to fish and hunt, and he fell in love with both. He spent much of his childhood down by the river fishing for salmon, looking for arrowheads and unique rocks, and playing with his neighborhood friends. Buzz's father also passed on a tradition of hospitality which Buzz carried on throughout his life. Buzz graduated Fortuna Union High School in 1975 and then Buzz married Karen Battaglia. Buzz then married Kathi Martin during which time God blessed them with two children Greg and Danielle. After high school, Buzz went to work in maintenance at Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park for a little over a year. Buzz then started his career in the Lumbar industry. It spanned close to 40 years and included everything from pulling green chain to running the head rig. Buzz's favorite though, was running the edger and he took pride in everything he did. Buzz was a very likeable guy, with many close lifelong friends. Buzz loved life and had a passion to be hospitable and had numerous social gatherings and block parties at his home on Johnson Lane. The annual Fourth of July Block Party was where Buzz was at his finest and enjoyed visiting with his friends and family and would routinely impress his guests with his master bartending and horseshoe throwing skills. Buzz knew the truth in being more blessed to give than to receive. He was incredibly thoughtful and had a knack for gift-giving. One of his favorite ways to find treasures was "picking" at yard sales and second-hand events with Danielle and one or two of his siblings. Buzz had a true love of sports. The Oakland Raiders and San Francisco Giants were his teams and he would frequently attend games. His favorite way to attend games was Spring training with friend Danny Conley. Buzz also loved to play softball and fantasy sports with his close friends. Though sports and dear friends meant a lot to Buzz, nothing meant more to him than his son Greg and daughter Danielle. Although Buzz's fight with cancer is over, his memory and spirit will not soon be forgotten. Buzz leaves behind his two children Greg and Danielle; his five sisters: Mary, JoAnn Duey, Debbie (Wes) Henrikson, Sherry O'Donnell and Marcia Pryor, and his brother Steven (Becky); and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Buzz joins his parents Martin and Shirley in heaven. Buzz came to know the Lord late in life, but the important thing is that he put his Faith in Jesus before his time on earth was done. John 14:6 - "Jesus said to them, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.'" FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: There will be a graveside service on Friday, March 6th at 11 am at the Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna, California. Buzz's Celebration of Life will be held at the Tish Non Community Center in Loleta, California on Saturday, March 7th at 3 pm. The family of Buzz Johnson has asked that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt In memory of Martin "Buzz" Johnson 2010 Myrtle Avenue Eureka, California 95501.

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