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News Release 12-020

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director

Memorial service set for State Parks Ranger Ed Johanson

OLYMPIA – Feb. 27, 2012 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces a memorial service honoring State Parks Ranger Ed Johanson, who died Friday in an automobile accident.

The public service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, March 2, at the Gateway Fellowship, 18901 8th Ave. N.E., Poulsbo. A memorial account, the Ed Johanson Memorial Fund, has been established at Key Bank, for donations to help cover memorial and funeral costs and for his family. Donations are suggested in lieu of flowers.

Johanson, 44, was a ranger for approximately 20 years, serving at Kitsap Memorial State Park near Poulsbo, until his recent assignment to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park in the Green River Gorge area. Johanson was known for his enthusiasm and passion. He loved being a park ranger and expressed it often. A longtime resident of the Central Kitsap area, he is survived by his parents and two sons.

Johanson was off duty and driving home on Friday evening at the time of the head-on collision about three miles from his home. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident and indicated in a news release that the driver of the other car was being evaluated for narcotics and was taken into custody on investigation of vehicular homicide.

"This is very sad. Ed will be sorely missed," said Don Hoch, agency director, after hearing the news of Johanson's death. "I had the opportunity to work with Ed on several projects. I know he enjoyed his career as a park ranger. He had a real passion for providing quality customer service and loved working with the public. Many will remember Ed, the pride he had in his work and his commitment to continuous improvement in parks and services."

Gov. Chris Gregoire also expressed her condolences over the weekend.

"Like so many of our employees, Ranger Ed Johanson was the type who went above and beyond to make both our parks and our state a better place," said Gov. Gregoire. "A tireless advocate and innovator for our parks and a beloved community volunteer, his loss will be felt."

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