‘Montana has lost a legend’: Chuck Johnson, longtime Montana journalist, dies

Phil Drake

Charles S. “Chuck” Johnson, a journalist who covered Treasure State politics for nearly half a century and was known as the “dean of the capitol press corps,” has died.

Johnson’s wife, Pat, told friends he was supposed to have dinner over the weekend with his relatives and, when he did not show, “they did a welfare check and found him gone,” friends said. 

Services are pending and will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. He will join his parents in the Memorial Garden, the Very Rev. Scott Anderson said. 

Johnson, 74, a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism, covered the 1972 constitutional convention and was a walking history book of Montana politics who was generous in sharing his knowledge with other reporters.

Gov. Steve Bullock recognizes Lee Newspapers State Bureau reporter Charles S. Johnson at the University of Montana journalism school’s 100th anniversary celebration at the Capitol rotunda in Jan. 2015.

Thom Bridge

Gov. Greg Gianforte said he and wife, Susan, were deeply saddened to learn of Johnson’s death. He said Johnson

View Source