Dwight W. ‘Tiny’ Johnson

1954 - 2016

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

- William Ernest Henley

Dwight William Johnson was born on Oct. 31, 1954, to Beverley and William Charles Johnson. Dwight and his parents did not know it at the time (nor did his eventual large stature of 6'5"), but he was born with a difficult health condition that didn't define his life, but made it more unique. Dwight was born with Spina-Bifida, which was not diagnosed until many years later; it was the first of many health problems he would overcome in his life. Sadly, Dwight succumbed to his many health issues on July 18, 2016. Dwight's existing condition didn't stop him from enjoying many adventures on the (Penn) family ranch outside of Buffalo, S.D. His childhood was blessed with learning how to drive cattle (actual "cowboy" style, a demand of Grandpa Penn) on horseback, as well as rounding up sheep in the same manner. Dwight spent so much time on the family ranch during the summer months that he would return to this place constantly, as he matured from boyhood into young adulthood. During this time, his uncle Daniel Penn taught Dwight how to operate heavy machinery. Dwight would go on to graduate from Billings West High School in 1972.

In 1980, Dwight met the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Pellegrini (Johnson), and after a brief courtship, he won her heart. They married on Aug. 29, 1981. The couple was blessed with two sons. Andrew was born in 1983, and Daniel followed in September of 1988. In the mid-1980s, Dwight became actively involved with the Freemasons. He joined Pryor Mountain Lodge #151 in 1985, before transferring his membership to Rimrock Lodge #149 in 2011. Upon his transfer, he became heavily involved in the leadership structure of Rimrock Lodge, serving as Master of the Lodge during the 2014-2015 year. The Johnson family found a religious home in 1991, when they joined First United Methodist Church in downtown Billings. Dwight would go on to be an active member of the congregation, and was especially interested in the youth activities within the church, as he had two sons who became active members of the youth group, led first by his good friends Jim Marshall, and then Brian Hunter. Outside of Kathy, his sons were the pride and joy of his life. Dwight always encouraged his children to follow their passions, often telling them, that he "didn't care what degree they got in college, but if it made them excited and they felt a spark, he was happy."

Dwight also loved to travel, especially if it was following his beloved football team the Green Bay Packers! Dwight somehow managed to see Green Bay play at Lambeau Field four times (a very hard ticket to get, if one knows anything about Packers football), as well as once in Denver at Mile High Stadium. Dwight was not only a fan of football, but also a lover of music and, while he did love all forms of music, the Blues spoke to his soul. So much so, that, in the fall of 2001, he journeyed across the country to Helena, Ark., to be a part of the King Biscuit Blues Festival. This event was one of his happiest "travel moments" outside of seeing the Packers live on Monday Night in the fall of 2013.

Dwight was preceded in death by his mother, Beverley Jane Penn (Johnson) and his father William Charles Johnson; as well as Kathleen Johnson's parents ,William and Lois. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathleen Johnson of Billings; his two sons, Andrew of Baton Rouge, La., Daniel of Billings; his sister, Candace of Las Vegas; and his niece Beverley of Denver.

Memorials in Dwight's honor may be sent to the: Billings Masonic Center, Attn: Rimrock Lodge #149, 1101 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102, with the designation that it go to the Bikes For Books and Kindles For Kids Program, or a charity that you choose.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N.