NEAR SEABECK, Wash. -- Every night for 20 years, Brandon Johanson looked forward to seeing the lights in the driveway - a signal his dad was home.
“I used to have my bedroom at the front of the house and I would sit in my chair when he would come home late,” he said. “I'd see his truck around the corner and I'd say thank God.”
For 18 years, Edward Johanson always made it from his job as Ranger out of Kitsap Memorial State Park.
“That park was sort of his palette,” said Brandon.
Two weeks ago, Edward was transferred to Kanaskat Palmer State Park in Covington - two hours away.
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office says on Friday night, along Edward’s route on Northwest Holly Road, the driver of a Ford Thunderbird crossed the center line.
The drivers of two cars were able to get out of the way, Edward was not. He was hit head on - two miles away from home.
“Five minutes away and just didn't make it,” said Brandon.
Brandon describes his dad as a talented artist, a soccer coach, a lover of the outdoors, but most of all a dedicated father, always doing whatever he could for his boys
“I don't think I could ever say it enough even if he's here next to me how proud of him and how much I love him and how much he's inspired me to be the person I am and inspired me to become,” he said.
"This is very sad. Ed will be sorely missed," said Don Hoch, Parks and Rec agency director. "I had the opportunity to work with Ed on several projects. I know he enjoyed his career as a park ranger. He had a real passion for providing quality customer service and loved working with the public."
Gov. Chris Gregoire also expressed her condolences.
"Like so many of our employees, Ranger Ed Johanson was the type who went above and beyond to make both our parks and our state a better place," said Gov. Gregoire. "A tireless advocate and innovator for our parks and a beloved community volunteer, his loss will be felt."
Investigators say the 35-year-old suspect was booked for DUI and faces vehicular homicide charges. Authorities believe he may have been impaired by narcotics. A female passenger in suspect's car was not hurt.
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