Zeb Dee Johnson

Zeb Dee Johnson, 29, formerly of Elgin, died Aug. 23 in Tillamook County.

A celebration of life runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Community Center in Elgin. A second service begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Tillamook Cheese Factory Visitor Center.

Zeb was born Dec. 14, 1978, to Lanna Dawson and Dick Johnson in Ontario. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1998. His high school accomplishments included president of Elgin FFA Chapter; high school mascot as well as class president.

After high school he followed the foreign exchange students back to Europe and spent the summer exploring the Alps. Upon his return to the states he attended Western Culinary Institute and graduated in 2000. He stayed in Portland and worked at the University Club downtown.

His passion for cooking and his love of people provided him many adventures during his short life. For three summers he worked at the Minam Lodge in the Wallowa Mountains. His role as the wrangler, tour guide, animal tender, maintenance manager and campfire chef provided many great memories for his clients, friends and family.

For several winters Zeb ventured to the Florida Keys working for the Boy Scouts of America. While in the Keys he learned to scuba dive, sail boats and received his six-pack license to pilot boats. He survived over 30 hurricanes while in the Keys.

His talent as a chef brought him other opportunities including implementing an updated food program for colleges throughout Oregon while working for Aramark Corp. at Eastern Oregon University. He also worked as the executive chef at Mallard Creek Golf Course in Lebanon.

Zeb enjoyed the outdoors, riding horses, fishing, boating, fast cars, traveling and cooking for his family and friends. He really was the life of the party, always had a smile on his face, a hug in his arms and a roaring laughter that came from his soul, family said.

Survivors include his father, Dick Johnson; mother, Lanna and Gary Dawson of Clatskanie; siblings, Tara Dawson of Eugene and Jonathan Dawson of La Grande; grandmother, Arleta Turner of Lebanon; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Oregon. Cash donations can also be made to Community Bank in Northeast Oregon, to help offset funeral costs.

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