Herbert C. Johnson – Passionate pilot

Herbert C. Johnson, a Petaluma resident of 46 years, passed away
peacefully Thursday, June 7 at his Petaluma home after a
seven-month battle with congestive heart failure. All three of his
children were at his side when he passed. Herb was 78 years old. He
was a retired electrician from Local 6 in San Francisco and a
veteran of the Korean War. He was a loving father and a dear friend
to many. Herb was perhaps best known for his love of airplanes. He
began ground school at the age of 58 and had been a private pilot
for 17 years. Herb volunteered for many activities at the Petaluma
Airport where he and countless friends spent mornings in the
terminal discussing politics, swapping stories and
&#8220shooting the breeze.” Herb was proud to be a more than 10
gallon blood donor at the Blood Bank of the Redwoods. Herb, who
built his second airplane from a kit with the help of his friends
at the Petaluma Airport, also enjoyed building small models. He
liked to take long walks and would spend hours in the yard planting
and watering his garden. Herb was known for his corny sense of
humor, and enjoyed silly jokes, The Red Green Show, Mr. Bean, the
Pink Panther and Snoopy. Herb’s survivors include three children,
Cheryl Axton (Don) of Colfax, Stephanie Lansing (Paul) of Windsor,
and Daryl Johnson of Petaluma. Herb will also be missed by his
grandchildren, Shauna, Andy and Liz Axton, Derek and Sabrina
Tennyson, and Ashley Lee. A memorial service will be privately held
in mid-June. Memorial contributions in Herb’s honor may be sent to
Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma 94952.