Dave Root Johnson, made his grand entrance to go meet Jesus, and discuss the many, many questions he wanted answers to, in the early morning on May 5, 2024. He was a man whose life was as adventurous as his odd taste in recipes and experimental cooking. Dave was born to James and Audrey Johnson on the early morning of Valentine's Day 1944 in Los Angeles, California. After graduating high school he decided to join the Navy and was a motorboat operator on the USS Skagit in Vietnam from 1963-1967. After his stint in the Navy he went on to work at the USGS as a hydrologic technician, retiring after 39 years of service in 2003. In Eureka, California he met his future wife, Pat, at a mutual friends' house. On May 29, 1971 he married her and had two daughters. In 1977 they pulled up stakes and moved to Helena, Montana. From his days navigating the high seas in the Navy to mapping out the great unknown with the USGS, Dad's sense of adventure knew no bounds. He sailed through life with the same determination he applied to trying to perfect his secret navy bean and ham hock soup - a little salty, a little sweet, and always leaving everyone dreading the next serving. But it wasn't just his culinary skills that left stomachs flopping; he collected more recipes and cook books that never did help improve his cooking skills. He had a drive to learn as much as he could about technology, space, machinery and genealogy. However, his love for his grandchildren knew no bounds, whether taking them fishing, to feed the ducks or other various outings throughout the years. He could spin a tale of yore with the best of the old salt sailors, which grandkids still talk about. Let's not forget his furry family members throughout the years. Whether he was attempting to teach new tricks or sneaking them scraps, his bond with his dogs, especially his last dog Maggie, was unbreakable. Though we'll miss his random useless facts, his quirky singing and the smell of his infamous bean soup wafting through the house, we take solace in knowing that he's now sailing the great beyond, with a loyal crew of dogs by his side and a pot of Navy bean soup simmering on the stove. Dave was preceded in death by his parents James Root Johnson and Audrey Nadine McFerrin Johnson, his favorite aunt, Sarah Lucille Johnson Driver (Auntie) and uncle, Edwin V. Driver. Surviving kin includes wife of 52.9 years Patricia Louise Wakeland Johnson, daughters Deb Wakeland and Tamara S. Dresen, his beloved grandchildren Eric Wakeland, Joseph Dresen (Amber), Ryan Dresen, Jacob Dresen, Katelynne Wakeland, Nicholas Dresen, and Zachary Wakeland; sisters Claudia Bacci, Ruth Halliwell (Ralph) plus numerous nieces and nephews. The family of Dave would like to express thanks to St. Peter's Hospice, nurse, Mickie Simonson, Dr. Jessica Bailey, friends who came to visit, Jim Hull, Bob Omang, and many others who added life to his final days. A private family memorial has been planned per his wishes. Fair winds and following seas, Dad. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to a cause close to his heart: The Brandon Act (thebrandonact.org), the VFW, or St. Peter's Hospice or charity of your choice.  Simple Cremation Montana assisted the family.