Michael Elvin Johnson

Mike wasn't afraid to take chances, work hard and build things. He was born June 13, 1938 to E.W. "Bill" and Bonnie Johnson in Colfax, Wash. He was raised on a farm east of Colfax near the Palouse River in the Glenwood area and eventually moved to the current family farm after marrying Karen, his wife of 62 years. They soon had three children Ed, Kevin, and Kelly.

Mike graduated from Colfax High School in 1956. He was a four-year letterman in basketball and lettered three years in track and field. He was a member of the FFA and was selected to go to Boys State. He attended WSC (before it became WSU) and studied agriculture. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was a member of a barbershop quartet, and in addition to his affinity for agricultural equipment and car mechanics in the 1950's, he was also a member of the Triber's Tigers snowmobile racing team in the late 1960's competing in the stock and modified 440cc racing divisions. Mike was a 4th generation farmer and partnered with his Dad, Bill and Grand dad, Fred raising pigs and dry land farming. Allergies to wheat chaff and pollen prompted Mike to start thinking of a better way to harvest the crop in a clean, cool environment. So, he designed and patented a completely sealed and air conditioned combine cab and his manufacturing company, Comfort King Cab was born. He recruited several hard-working local men, many of whom were brothers, to design, build and install these combine cabs for both John Deere and International Harvester machines. Other farming related equipment Mike was involved with developing were the NoTill drill and the HydraHopper. Eventually, the equipment companies would not sell a new combine without their own cab installed (although many farmers still wanted the Comfort King Cab that they had been enjoying on their older model combines). It was a great accomplishment and enjoyable ride, but demand for the custom made cabs would end and Mike went back to farming full time until his retirement from farming in the late 1990's.

In addition to his busy work and recreational life, Mike was closely involved in the education system and athletic careers of his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the school board for Colfax School District for 10 years and was co-chair of the committee instrumental in the design, development and funding of the Colfax High School Track and he volunteered countless hours and beers developing and building McDonald Park baseball, soccer and softball facilities. He encouraged his kids to be involved in athletics and rarely (never) missed a baseball, basketball, football game or track meet.

Mike continued his mechanical hobbies until he died. He was a creature of habit and found enjoyment working in his shop on the multiple John Deere garden tractors and restoring old cars. And, he loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his oldest child, Ed and his daughter-in-law Karyn Johnson. He is survived by his two sisters, Pat (Floyd) Damon and Joed (Roger) Glaser, his wife Karen (Wilhelm), son Kevin (Mary Ellen) Johnson and daughter Kelly (Jeff Lowe) Johnson. He had six grandchildren who were all very important to him: Lexi (JC) West, Marcus (Lauren) Johnson, Karley (Brandon) Hoadley, Aaron(Annie) Bruya, Emma Johnson and Sam Johnson. And four great-grandchildren, Ember and Layla Hoadley, Walker and Sawyer West.

He was very proud of all of them and they all called him "Papa".

Papa will be missed.

The family will have a private burial and celebration of life at a later date.

Corbeill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be sent to

http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com