Obituary of Clair H Johnson

Clair Haycraft Johnson, 85, of Maalaea, passed away on January 7, 2016 in Auburn, Washington where she was surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 30, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Alberta Smith and Kenneth C. Haycraft. She was raised and went to school in Wayzata Minnesota where she made lifelong friends. After World War II her father was stationed in Japan, where she traveled with her family. She graduated from Tokyo High School. While in Japan she met and married James S. Tulip. She made her home in the Seattle area, raising 4 children. She began her working career working for the post office. She changed careers and worked for 20 years for the Bell Telephone Company. After her marriage ended she returned to her home town of Wayzata, Minnesota where she rekindled a romance with her childhood sweetheart Vernon Johnson. They married in 1975. In 1985 Clair and Vernon retired and moved to sunny Hawaii to live by her parents, Col Kenneth C and Marian Haycraft. Maalaea was her home for the next 30 years. She loved her beautiful Maui. She was passionate about the flowers, walking the beach and her friendships. While in Maui she worked at WH Smith Hotel Shops and volunteered at the Bailey House. She was an active member of the PEO Sisterhood. She was proud of the work her father and husband did creating Haycraft Park. After they passed she did her best to make sure the park was well taken care of by the city. Nothing was more important to Clair than her family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Vernon, and her sister Sara. She is survived by her other siblings and her children, Jannell Trim, Robert Tulip, Kenneth Tulip, Donna Tulip Harris; and grandchildren Suzette Nyseth, Jason Trim, Jesse Cross, Waylon Tulip, James Grinstead, Michelle Nguyen, Cameron Tulip and 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Life held on March 12th at 1:00 at Lakeland Hills Community Center in Auburn, Washington. There are also plans being made for celebrations in Minnesota and in Maui.