Alan K. Johnsen, 93, died Jan. 17, 2008, at Life Care Center in Mount Vernon.

Alan was born Aug. 21, 1915, to Ludwig P. Johnsen and Mary Lund Johnsen in Colville, Wash. He was raised on the family farm along with his brother Richard and sisters, Pauline, Margaret and Laura. After his father’s death in 1928, the family moved to Spokane where he attended West Valley High School. Soon after graduating Allen joined the National Guard. Later he worked briefly on the Lund family dairy farm in Cle Elum before volunteering for military service for a second time.

Alan joined the Navy on November 21, 1934. He served in World War II in both the European and Pacific theaters as well as Korea. On June 30, 1956, he retired with the rank of Lt. Commander which he held proudly. He had many memories of his military career which he shared often with family and friends.

In 1947 Alan married Catherine Hughes of Baltimore, Md. Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked for Boeing and sold real estate before he and Catherine purchased a 500-acre ranch near Ellensburg, Wash. For eight years they raised hay, grain and cattle before returning to Seattle where Alan went back into the real estate business. On weekends the couple took trips around the state and eventually discovered Whidbey Island. They were drawn so strongly to the area that in 1974 they settled on Penn Cove, later moving to Oak Harbor where they lived out the remainder of their lives together.

Throughout the years Alan enjoyed taking trips with Catherine in their motor home, going on cruises, fishing, crabbing and golfing. In his later years he enjoyed walking his dog, Mini, every morning at the Oak Harbor city park. But aside from traveling and outdoor activities, Allen’s favorite activity was that of laughter. He always seemed able to find the best of any situation.

Alan is preceded in death by his wife Catherine Johnsen, brother Richard Johnsen and sister Pauline McFarlan.

Alan is survived by his children John Hughes, wife Emily (Auburn), Susan Wachter, husband Harold (Maple Valley) and Alan Johnsen (Alaska).

Alan leaves two sisters, Margaret Latham (Spokane, Wash.) and Laura Harding (Colville); grandchildren Cindy, Johnny and Jerry Hughes (Seattle), Christopher Wachter (Tega Cay, S.C.), Jesse Johnsen (Oak Harbor) and great-grandson Tyler Hughes (Seattle), along with nieces and nephews.

Services were held at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Black Diamond, Wash., on Jan. 23. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alan’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Hospital, would be appreciated.