Clifford Paul Johnson

Clifford Paul Johnson, born in DeKalb County, Georgia on April 23, 1937, to parents Clifford and Victoria Johnson, passed away peacefully on May 18, surrounded by and cared for by his devoted family and beloved grandchildren. Within the past year, Paul was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his partner in life and best friend.

In his early teens, Paul and his family relocated from Georgia to Elmore, Ohio. He never failed to entertain and amuse his boys and five grandchildren with tall tales of his carefree younger days; perhaps at times blurring the lines between fact and hilarious fiction. Only he knew the whole truth; but the storytelling resulted in a catalogue of vivid memories of fun and adventure in the 1950’s.

The most important of those stories was Paul’s wooing of Beverly Flick, three years his junior. Paul and Bev were high school sweethearts and varsity letter winners at Harris Elmore High School; Paul played football and ran track; Bev was a member of the cheerleading squad and the marching band. Soon after graduation, the pair were married on November 28th, 1959, at Trinity Methodist Church. It was a love affair to last nearly 70 years.

Sons Joel and Patrick followed soon. Devoted parents, Paul and Bev threw all their efforts and attention into raising their children. Paul and Bev focused appropriately on their son’s academic performance; but never at the expense of the “extracurricular” experiences. Cross country vacation trips; camping and fishing, sports of every sort. A natural athlete, Paul spent countless hours of play with Pat and Joel, instilling in them a healthy competitiveness and love of football, baseball, basketball, tennis and track and field. Paul was their biggest booster — either in the stands or as a coach of their teams. During the tennis craze of the 1970’s, Paul solved the problem of Elmore’s overcrowded pair of courts by building one of his own in the family’s backyard. He and Bev never missed a game or tournament.

Paul was committed to the community of Elmore. Whether as Scoutmaster to the Boy Scout troop, coach of town’s Pony League teams, Zoning Inspector for the Harris Elmore Township, Town Councilman, or partnering with Bev and friends as leaders of Grace Lutheran Church’s “Luther League” youth group, a haven of fellowship, friendship and unbridled fun. With the help of family and friends, he built the family’s home on the Flick family “compound” on Witty Road.

Upon graduation from High School, Paul immediately went to work for the Ohio Turnpike Commission. Every day for thirty years, he reported for duties that included jackhammering, paving, painting, landscaping and the like. He served as a mechanic, a lead electrician and learned the necessary chemistry to oversee the Turnpike’s waste water treatment plant. He finished his service as a Supervisor to the Elmore Maintenance Building’s hard-working and tight-knitted crew. On the Turnpike, Paul was a respected co-worker, boss, and a source of genuine fun and camaraderie.

Immediately upon “retirement” from the Turnpike, Paul and Bev partnered together in “second careers” as world travelers, adventure seekers, and inn keepers.

On a weekend whim in 1988, Paul and Bev caught the ferry for a day trip and bike riding on Kelley’s Island. It was an afternoon that would change their lives. According to a later account in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “Bev Johnson remembers coming to the island as a little girl to visit the historic glacial grooves, or to swim, hike and birdwatch. She hadn’t been back in 35 years when she and husband Paul ferried over again for a visit. Drawn to an old, run down Queen Anne style house with a For Sale sign, Bev couldn’t let it get away. It had been empty for five years, and Paul was not impressed.”

Despite Paul’s initial lack of enthusiasm, he was persuaded to take a chance on the 1892 fixer-upper. Not only was Paul quickly converted to the project, he dove into the restoration with a passion. Soon his jack-of-all-trades skill set was enhanced ten-fold, demonstrating proficiency as a master carpenter, painter, plasterer, stone mason, and wall-paper hanger, just to name a few. Paul embraced his new role as proprietor of the Sweet Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast, now returned to and surpassing the home’s former glory. With help again of family and friends, he erected a barn on the property to house their hand-made carriage and cherished retired racehorse Firm Offer, “(Firmey”). When Paul was not in an apron whipping up his famous waffles and omelets, he could be found driving his horse drawn surrey on tours of the island to the delight of his guests.

By the time the Sweet Valley Inn graced the cover of Midwest Living Magazine, Paul and Bev had attracted visitors from around the country and throughout the world. So many guests returned year upon year, all new forever friends. All agreed that the home and the hosts were special. Kelley’s Islanders joined the ranks of their precious Elmore relationships, finding a place as life long and loving friends.

From his small town roots, Paul managed to experience the wonder of travel throughout an incredible amount of the world. He and Bev’s adventures included road and rail trips all across America, dozens of ports of call on many of the seven oceans, and hiking and biking through some of the planet’s most breathtaking scenery. Their itinerary included China, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia, Italy, Greece, Canada, the UK, and the mountains, lakes, rivers and plains of nearly every state in America.

While Elmore and Kelley’s Island were “home”, he also spent quality time in Jekyll Island, Georgia, Lakeside, Ohio, and Dunedin, Florida (especially during Spring Training!). Inseparably at his side throughout was Bev — his wife, his companion, his soul mate, his lover, and his best friend. After losing her not long ago, it is no wonder that he was eager to reunite with her.

Paul’s love of his grandchildren — and their love and devotion to him — cannot be expressed with words. Danny, Cliff, Elena, Kevin and Chris were the absolute joys of his life. The bond between each of them was profound. Memories of holidays (in full Santa suit and beard!), birthdays (Mr. Clown!), summers, games, books, boats, songs, excursions, laughter and tears will be everlasting. Through Paul, their parents Joel, Patrick, Mimi and Jennifer have known the most vibrant, loving, caring, dedicated, and hilarious father and grandfather imaginable.

The family plans a private celebration of Paul’s life, followed by interment with family at Harris-Elmore Union Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kelley Island Historical Society in Paul’s name.