An alaskaN idealist
Lynn, LJ, Shooter… however you knew him, Alaska, it’s people and serving them both was foundational to who he was. He was a business owner, jokester, he gave to causes that he felt were important, he flew in an F-15, played pranks and “blew shit up”. He was a man of many talents and touched many lives. To know him is to love him, and be better because of him.
Eras of LJ
CA to AK
Lynn grew up in Turlock, CA, spending his high-school years playing football, riding motorcycles and helping his Dad Harold, better known as Johnny, run the family business, Johnson Feed, a chicken farm.
He spent the summers in Alaska with his Mom, Ruth, Step-Dad, Rex and Brother, Clint. After graduating from UC Stanislaus, he headed north for good.
Alaska Helicopters
Lynn’s summers during and after college were spent working at Alaska Helicopters, the helicopter business Ruth and Rex owned. Lynn was a “runner,” meaning he did a little bit of everything. This was not your average summer job. He gained valuable knowledge about Alaska and entrepreneurship that would help shape his future.
Dowland-Bach
One of the most life altering happenings occurred when Ed Clinton, Ruth & Rex’s neighbor, convinced Lynn to join him in starting Dowland-Bach.
Born in a garage, Dowland-Bach won their first bid from BP, beating out many veteran manufacturers with their cold weather control systems.
LJ expanded the company across the globe to Bogota, United Arab Emirates, Norway and beyond.
Stainless Steel was his calling card.
Captain of
the Ship
The Buzz-Off II didn’t make the winter and Lynn had the hand to tell the story, but the Illusion wasn’t far behind.
Summers in Alaska are magic, and Lynn made the most of them with his family and friends on Prince William Sound. A friend shared recently that they recall him following behind their boat in his zodiac when swell picked up. He was heard hollering “Yee-Haw” as he crashed up and down the waves. This was the epitome of who he was when he got on the water. His signature “we love a challenge” was always on the tip of his tongue.
Husband. Dad.
brother. uncle.
Forever full of fun.
