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Gary Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Gary was born in Portland, Oregon, and passed from this earth suddenly from a massive heart attack in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he lived for the past four years.

Gary lived a life that reflected his faith in God. His greatest joy was serving his family and spending time with them. He passed on his love for God’s creation to his kids and grandkids by teaching them to hunt, fish, camp and to appreciate all the beauty of the earth.

Gary dropped out of high school at 16-years-old and later earned his GED so he could enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He served a tour of duty for one year in Vietnam as a preflight captain and was honorably discharged after four years of service. He later became an employee of the United States Postal Service, and retired as Postmaster of the Burns, Oregon, Post Office in 2009.

Gary married the love of his life, Dona, in 1975. Together they raised their family and served each other through 38 years of trials and joys.

Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson

A native Oregonian, Gary moved his wife and son in 2009 to Omaha/Council Bluffs so they could be present in the daily lives of his daughter and her family. His new life in the Midwest was full, with family fishing trips, cheerleading his grandchildren on in their music and sporting events, hunting with his son, and of course many hours spent in the kitchen cooking and baking with and for his family. He was always most comfortable and happy at the barbecue and in the kitchen for family and friend gatherings. His dishes were always a special treat and his yeast rolls were an anticipated delight at every holiday and special-occasion meal.

Gary Johnson

Gary’s friends established this culinary scholarship, a tribute that brought comfort and joy to his grieving family, who made the decision to establish it as an endowment to ensure that many future students would be able to achieve their culinary education. This scholarship is so appropriate to honor a man who believed in encouraging others to pursue their dreams, who spent many hours with his wife in the kitchen making holidays and even ordinary days special by cooking and baking, and who taught his children and grandchildren to cook and bake.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Financial need may be considered but is not required
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Pursuing a degree/major in any Culinary Arts program

Scholarships are usually offered during the spring and fall quarters. Scholarship availability varies depending on donor giving.