Harold Franklin "Frank" Johnson
July 7, 1949 - June 12, 2024
Harold Franklin “Frank” Johnson made his journey to heaven on June 12, 2024 after suffering a stroke on Memorial Day.
Frank enjoyed a happy and rascally childhood in Forest City, Iowa. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Education from Iowa State University.
Frank came to Alaska in 1972 as “the last of the draftees” with the US Army. He often joked that he “fought the cold war”. Shortly after arriving in Alaska, he met Leslie Studebaker after a service at Lake Spenard Baptist Church. The two married on August 14,1976.
Frank worked most of his professional career in the oil industry. He worked on the North Slope from 1979 to 1992, where he became known for both his listening ear and his immense talent for practical jokes. Frank then took a town job in Organizational Development, first with BP, then with Alyeska until his retirement in 2007.
Frank was never very good at sitting still, so he opened his own Organizational Development firm after returning. He continued doing the work he loved for several more years, primarily with non-profits and Alaska Native entities. Frank believed in bringing people together, fostering understanding, and encouraging cooperation. After both his retirements, he continued to live these values through his volunteer work with the Colson Fellows Program, a men’s prison ministry, and with the Downtown Hope Center. When he wasn’t serving others, Frank enjoyed reading, collecting and sharing quotes, and all things related to golf.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie; daughter, Erika; son, Brian; daughter-in-law, Suzanne; and the joy of his heart, his granddaughter, Kora. Frank touched the lives of many people who will remember him with laughter and love.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on July 7, 2024, at 2:00pm at Community Covenant Church in Eagle River.
Obituary from Janseen Funeral Homes, Eagle River, AK
George Watson
I had the honor and privilege of working multiple years with Frank and Bruce. Both true gems! They always put others first and made everything better just by their presence and involvement. They are part of what made BP and Alyeska extra special places and times. Prayers and Blessings.Karen Anderson
I am so sad to hear of Frank's passing. I worked many years with Frank and Bruce in HR. Frank was always happy and in a good mood. He had a great sense of humor and such a talented team builder and facilitator. In 2019 we took a European river cruise and guess who was also cruising? Frank and Leslie. We had a great time and enjoyed some dinners together. He will truly be missed. Our condolences to the family. I'll always remember that smile.Dave Norton
Frank was always kind and perceptive coaching me with teams and projects, helping me to be better. RIP Frank.
Nita McCallum
My condolences to his family. Rest easy Frank, knowing that you left such a warm and positive impression on so many people. You coached us well.John Renfroe
Frank had a terrific sense of humor! One of his favorite lines was "let's put the fun back into dysFUNctional". RIP Frank
Larry Wood
I first met Frank about 30 years ago at Alyeska. At first, Frank was a “BP Loanee” but he chose later to join the rest of us as a direct employee of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System operator. He was extremely popular and effective at work as a strategic planner, team facilitator, and executive, manager, and employee coach.
Our work sometimes intertwined as we attempted to resolve employee concerns.
Frank reported to executives and, it seemed to me, kindly guided them to more enlightened and effective employee relations.
The Frank we knew at his home was the same Frank at work: compassionate, kind, gentle, humble, patient and involved. He was quietly courageous too and didn’t hesitate to champion employee concerns which were reasonable and just … even before the most unreceptive leadership audiences.
And, what an amazing sense of humor. My all time favorite was his appearance in a green, hilarious costume tied together with work partner Bruce as “alien space babies” during a United Way fundraiser! I wish I could find that picture. I've got it somewhere!
Frank was a terrific, loving and dedicated husband, father, father in law, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
Serving with Frank in prison ministry over the years, I can attest to his passion in sharing his faith in Jesus Christ and quietly explaining the difference his relationship with Jesus made in his life. A room full of inmates tearfully remembered Frank’s love for them during my recent prison visit.
About 20 years ago, Frank and I joked at work that we should arrange two marriages amongst our four unmarried adult children. It would hopefully resolve some drama or - more likely - not!
Lo and behold, years later Frank's son, Brian (later still, an Alyeska engineer), met our daughter Suzanne in a soccer league. They married and their fathers' premonitions may have contributed in some unveriable way to a lovely granddaughter that Ellen and i share with Frank and Leslie. Now 6, Kora shared a special, loving relationship with Grandpa Frank!
I share a granddaughter with Frank and I'm not certain what that relationship is called in the American language. However, I call it a true friend and brother. Frank lived a full life, but left us too soon. I'm certainly looking forward to picking up where we left off.
Finally, my very best wishes to you former coworkers and colleagues. Thank you for making my time at Alyeska rewarding, special, and full of wonderful memories. Of course, we shared difficult times too, but in my view they served to make us stronger and more resilient.
Larry Wood
Tammy Chauvin
Oh my goodness what a tragic loss. I loved him and Bruce tag team at our team building sessions. I attended many Bible studies at the Harding's home in Eagle River and absolutely loved and learned them so much. My prayers for the family in this difficult time.
R.I.P
Dearist Frank
Sincerely
Tammy Chauvin
Bruce Harding
I had the distinct privilege of knowing Frank for nearly 45 years.
We both had our start in BP and later transitioned to internal Organization Development consultants.
In 1990 we transferred to Alyeska and were excited to serve in the OD role within Alyeska.
Frank quickly built rapport with employees and leaders.
Frank was a remarkably gifted man. His listening skills were amazing. When he talked with you, you knew he was engaged and focused on the conversation.
He was an excellent story teller and had a great sense of humor.
In his BP days he worked at the Prudhoe Bay warehouse.
Frank told me one day about a BP senior officer who visited the warehouse for a tour. During his visit he turned to Frank and asked him how many people worked here in the warehouse. Frank paused for a minute , smiled and said……About Half!
Frank was well respected by the teams and leaders he served. He made a real difference.
After leaving Alyeska, we shared an office in Eagle River for years supporting Alaska companies including many non- profits.
Knowing Frank and working closely with him for many years was a true blessing. He was a man of strong character and integrity. Above all he was a man with a strong faith in his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Frank was much more than a friend….he was as close as a brother. Some have said grief sometimes comes in waves. I believe that. So grateful Frank was in my life!
Sandy and I will miss him!
Joe Riordan
Thank you Bruce and all who have written about Frank. Frank and Bruce deserve a place in Alyeska's Hall of Fame for not just the way you brought people together in the work place but also apart from work and the testimonies about Frank attest to that.
We were heart broken to hear of Frank's passing. After catching my breath and contemplating the deep sorry of missing my dear friend, I immediately thought of his infectous smile with a slight turn of his head that revealed a glint in his eye that was like an exclamation point.
We shared so many laughs and good times together and our familes grew close. One story that remains with my familiy is rooted when Leslie asked Frank to trim the bushes in front of their house. I'm not sure but he might have used a chain saw on them because when he finished there wasn't much left of them. To this day we use Frank's name as a verb if I've pruned far too much. I will apologize and say "yeah I accidentally did a Frank Johnson" on them.
Although we have been separated by many miles over the years, we remained close at heart. There's so much to say but too few words to adequetely express my admiration and affection for my dear friend Frank Johnson and his legacy. I will miss him greatly.
Joe Riordan