from "​Double Cousins" by Ralph Hammersborg,  A Norwegian Family Chronicle, produced in 1996

Ralph Hammersborg had asked his Mother’s cousins to write about their lives.  The cousin's stories are taken from "Double Cousins by Ralph Hammersborg, A Norwegian Family Chronicle, produced in 1996.”   Birth dates of living relatives have been removed from the original text.

1928 - Hartvick Theodore Johnson   
Son of Johnie & Marie Johnson

Written in 1996

I was born in 1928, in Blaine, Washington, named after an uncle in Norway.  Since Hartvick was not easy to pronounce, my family called me Buddy and Bud has been my nickname to this day.

 Of nine children in my parent’s family, I was the fifth-born with four older and four younger brothers and sisters.  My childhood memories were of wonderful and happy days on the farm in Ferndale.  My parents became Christians about the time of my birth.  My father was an example to me of a godly father.  I loved him dearly and desired to become a preacher from my earliest remembrance since it was my father's desire to go into the ministry and serve the Lord full-time after he became a Christian and experienced a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember standing on an old stump preaching to the cows on that farm as a very young boy, so following my conversion at age 16, and my graduation from Ferndale High School, I entered Bible school (Simpson Bible Institute in Seattle, Washington) in 1947 and began my training for the ministry.

 It was the hard work on that Ferndale farm and the loving instruction from my father that best prepared me for the ministry the Lord had for me.  Through his wise advice, examples in prayer, devotion to telling those who are without the saving grace of our Lord, commitment to God's Word, and love for our God I was prepared for a life and ministry ordained by God.  I have honored his life and memory throughout my ministry, and I'm deeply grateful for his loving influence on my life.

 While at Bible School, I met Flora McKeel.  We fell in love with each other during our first year at Simpson, and were married after our Graduation in 1951.  I could never thank the Lord enough for her love and devotion to the Lord.  Her life and desire to love and know God was an inspiration to me throughout our years of marriage.

 Into our family were born four wonderful children; Douglas Martin; Susan Annette; Deborah Kay; and Vickie Marie.  I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful wife and children the Lord has given to me.

 In 1951 I became a student pastor at Pearson Baptist Church, near Poulsbo, Washington, while continuing my studies at Simpson.  I have been privileged to have been in the ministry for the past 44 years, ministering in seven different church locations.  Besides Pearson Washington, the locations include Salt Lake City, Utah; Price, Utah; Tucson Arizona; Santa Barbara, California; San Diego, California; and Stockton, California.  I have also been honored to have ministered in England, France, Israel, Korea, Mexico, and Russia.

 My wife, Flora, passed away in 1991, just four months short of 40 wonderful years together.  My life has been filled with joy and great satisfaction from my earliest remembrance.  It has been a great honor to serve my Lord, and introduce people to Him throughout my lifetime.  If I were to choose a life verse from God's word, it would be Philippians 1: 20-21:

Christ shall be magnified in my body,
whether it be by life or by death.
For me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.

There is simply no room here to discuss the magnificent ways the Lord has directed, kept, and shown Himself strong to myself and my family during these years of my life.  He has been a faithful God to the inspired Psalmist who scribed the words “Thou Crownest the year with Thy goodness…..”  (Psalm 65:11) I have found myself saying a hearty “Amen” year after year.  He has been a loving Father, constant companion, a faithful God, and the gracious provider of my every need.  I look forward with great anticipation to the future which is bright with the promise of God.

Click on a link below to continue with the JOHNSON FAMILY photos and stories.

Same links as the Home page

Johnson Family (home)  - Kinstories (home)  -  Susag Family  -  Flatau Family  -  Beckman Family
Granquist Family  -  Anderson Family  -  Stout Family  -  Walker Family  -  Peterson Family  -  Morris Family  - Cauble Family