Cewin Johnson (AKA CJ, Sonny), age 100, of Clearwater passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13 culminating a long, beautiful life.
Born on March 1, 1925 to Emil & Margaret (Swanson) Johnson in St. Paul, Minnesota he was the youngest of 7 children. He was drafted in to the Army at 18 and fought in World War II. He lost an arm in February 1945 and said it was the best thing that ever happened to him, as it meant he got to come home after he recovered, and survived the war. He continued to serve our country as a civil servant working for the Veterans Administration for the entirety of his career. He married Kathryn (Jensen) in 1950 & shared 57 years of marriage until her passing. Together they raised 4 children in Roseville, MN and retired to Clearwater in 1985. He was blessed with a 2nd marriage to Daisy (Ware) for 11 years, until her passing. When asked the secret to being blessed with 2 wonderful wives he said “I always say “whatever you want”. Cewin was kind, caring, generous and loved to travel. He was well known for his boisterous laugh and one arm. He was present for the 50th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy and took several trips to Oberhoffen, France, the village he helped liberate from the Germans. He was given a Key to the City by the Mayor and honored by the villagers. He lived his retired years as a prominent resident on Clearwater Beach and ‘til the very end enjoyed taking rides along the coast. He found great joy in keeping in touch with family and friends far and wide with phone calls and visits, and most of all he loved time with his children, adult grandchildren and got a big kick out of his great-grandchildren.
He will be remembered by his children Scott Johnson (Kim), Lori Harrell and Kirk Johnson (Susan), his grandchildren Brooke Lorge (Ryan), Jessica Carter (Brendan), Chelsea Jago (Kevin), Ashley Barrow (Dan) and Adam Harrell (Schuyler) and his great-grandchildren Coral, Marina, Reese, Remi, Henry, Elliott & a newcoming baby boy, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends, as well as the wonderful families of Daisy’s daughters, Christine Williams (Van) and Jan Davis (Geoff) who reside in the UK. He is loved and cherished by so many & will forever be greatly missed.
He is predeceased by his first wife Kathryn, second wife Daisy, daughter Wendy, son-in-law Donald Harrell and his 6 siblings.
A special thank you to the Grand Villa community and Suncoast Hospice for their care and support.
Please visit Everloved.com/memorial/cewin-
I know Cewin through his son, Scott, who was my student years ago. Scott is a mentor who loves teenagers and works tirelessly with and for them. Scott loved being with his dad…so he loved both young and old. Cewin left quite a legacy through Scott. Luckily they had lots of time together since 1985.
Kirsten Dawson