Joseph JohnsonJoseph Daniel Johnson, known affectionately as Captain Happy Joe Rackham to some, and Captain Cupcake to others, died at Seattle Children's Hospital on June 9, 2015, just two days after a community celebration of his 18th birthday. Joseph was born on June 7, 1997, in Orange, California.  He came to live with his granny, Elizabeth Johnson in Ellensburg, WA on February 6, 2005.  Granny doted over Joseph providing him with a wonderful life in Ellensburg.  Joseph had complex health problems and Granny provided all his care including teaching all the school nurses how to care for him. It was during this time that Joseph developed his love of all things pirate.  His pirate obsession became so important that when his health began to deteriorate several years ago, the Make a Wish Foundation granted his wish to meet the Seafair Pirates.  Joseph was inducted as a captain in the Seafair Pirates and took the name Captain Happy Joe Rackham as his moniker.  Many of the Seafair Pirates continued to be in touch with and to visit Joseph in the years following his wish. Joseph attended Mt Stuart Elementary School, Morgan Middle School and Ellensburg High School. On Saturdays, he rode horses at Spirit Therapeutic Riding. He appreciated all the people who supported him and loved to share hugs.Joseph brought a ray of sunshine to everyone he met.  He had a keen sense of humor and loved to tease as well as be teased.  The students and staff at his schools enjoyed many a laugh with Joseph.  He took great delight in telling each of the staff members they were "fired" when they teased him back.  Of course, they were all fired with a smile.  When Joseph entered high school, he found his first girlfriend, Tia Gibson.  Joseph was very proud of his relationship with Tia and worked hard to do right by her.  He even waited for prom to share his first kiss with her, because that was the honorable thing to do. On Sunday, June 7th, his Granny, his "Pirate Queen Tia," many teachers, and friends gathered to surprise Joseph on his 18th birthday.  His sense of humor, his care, concern, and appreciation for each guest was evident as he worked the room greeting and visiting with everyone in attendance making his way toward his pirate cake.  Joseph's smile that day truly lit up the room. One website about the pirate Blackbeard's death fit remarkably well for Joseph.  "Blackbeard's death marked his passing from man to legend. He has come to symbolize all pirates, which in turn have come to symbolize freedom and adventure. His death is certainly part of his legend: he died on his feet, a pirate to the very last."  Indeed, Joseph is now truly free and many wonderful adventures await him. He is survived by his granny, Elizabeth Johnson; grandpa, Jerrey (Ruth) Johnson; father, Daniel Johnson; his "Pirate Queen", Tia Gibson; great aunt Carole Johnson; uncles, Andrew Johnson and Jeff Johnson; cousins, Danielle, Ingi, and Shelby Johnson; and great-uncle, Dale (Sally) Johnson. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015, from 3-5 p.m. at Steward & Williams Tribute Center.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Mercer Creek Church.  Interment will follow at IOOF Cemetery.  Pirate attire is encouraged! A reception follows at the church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.steward-williams.com. Community members established a fund for final expenses. Donations may be given to his beloved "Granny," Elizabeth Johnson.