Donald Ray Johansen

Donald Ray Johansen, 87, born on January 12, 1929 in Oakland, CA, passed away June 12, 2016. He resided in Los Angeles, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley; his two children and their spouses, Dwayne and Malana Johansen and Sheryl and Randolph Watkins; seven grandchildren, Katie Meyer (Steve), David Johansen (Kristen), Nathan Watkins (Stephanie), Ian Watkins (Kaitlin), Caroline Allison (Joshua), Lap Nguyen-Watkins, and Lanh Horton (Alex); and eight great-grandsons - Dayton and Micah Johansen; Jonathan, Benjamin and Andrew Meyer; and Reid, Cohen and Jensen Watkins. He was preceded in death last year by his only sister, Lois Gunderson.

The son of the late Carrel and Velma Johansen, he grew up in Hayward, California. After graduating Hayward High School, he attended California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. While serving as his room mate's best man, he met the groom's cousin, Shirley Jean Powelson. The two married on February 14, 1950. Don later earned an Associate's Degree in Animal Husbandry at Pierce Junior College. He held several jobs before becoming a milk man with Foremost, and later a salesman for Schillings Spices. He retired from Schillings in 1994 after 25 years.

Don has been active in Masonic organizations since he joined the Hayward Chapter of the Order of the DeMolay in 1946. He was on the Advisory Council of the Highland Park Order of DeMolay in 1967, and served as Associate Guardian of Bethel 43 Eagle Rock, Job's Daughters from 1968 to 1973. He received the DeMolay Legion of Honor in 1970, and with his son Dwayne received the Chevalier Honors in 1975.

He joined the Montebello Lodge 451 in 1957, received his 3rd degree in February 1958, and served as Worshipful Master in 1966. In 1996, he affiliated with South Pasadena Masonic Lodge 290. He has served as Chaplain of the lodge since 2006. On September 12, 2015, he received the Spirit of Hiram Award.

In 1969, he joined the Pasadena Scottish Rite September DeMolay Class. He created and organized the Scottish Rite Band, served as Wise Master in 1978, received Scottish Rite Honors 32nd Degree KCCH in 1979 and his 33rd Degree in 1993. He served as Almoner from 1994 to 2011, and was honored as Scottish Rite Mason of the Year in 2006.

Don also was active in Al Malaikah Shrine, joining the band in 1971. He was Band President in 1982, and also was a member of the Past Masters Shrine Club.

Don played the saxophone, clarinet, flute and piccolo. In addition to the Shrine and Scottish Rite bands, he was a member of the Los Angeles Police Band and Burbank Community Band. He played his final concert on June 3.

In lieu of flowers, the Don Johansen Music Fund has been set up by the Burbank Band. Donations can be sent to:
Burbank Community Band, Inc.
P.O. Box 1005
Burbank CA, 91507

Please note on the check, Don Johansen Music Fund