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Robert D. Johnson

Date of Death: May 30, 2010

Date of Birth: March 17, 1927

Biography:

Robert D. Johnson

 AUGUSTA -- Robert "Bob" Johnson, 83, of Carlisle Avenue passed away May 30, 2010, at his home after a long illness.

He was born March 17, 1927, in Anson, one of two sons to George and Bea Johnson.

Bob was raised in Millinocket, graduated from Stearns High School and attended the University of Maine, Orono, graduating in 1950 with a degree in civil engineering. He was a World War II veteran serving honorably in the Navy. He attained a land surveyor's license and pilot's license. His children have many happy memories of accompanying him on business trips stashed in the small plane's cargo compartment.

Robert began his working career with the state Highway and Transportation Depart-ment, from which he retired. He also worked for the Maine Aeronautics Commission for many years helping design local airports, Bangor International being one of them. Bob dedicated many hours to public service and received numerous awards. He served on the City Council and was a member of The Dream Team Building Committee for the Civic Center in 1973. He remained vocal in city politics for many years and was a firm believer in exerting your constitutional rights and fighting for what you believe in.

Robert had many passions. His love of Mount Katahdin and his camp on South Twin Lake in Millinocket were always important to him. He climbed the mountain each summer for most of his life and spent countless hours working at his camp. He would rather be there than anywhere else. He was an avid sportsman; he enjoyed tennis, basketball, softball, biking, hockey and, particularly, skiing. He played on a men's basketball and ice hockey team for many years and acquired the injuries to prove it. The family spent many winters skiing at Sugarloaf and Mount Abram. He also taught his granddaughters to ski and play tennis. As they got better and he lost, his requests for rematches were relentless; he was highly competitive, to say the least. His love of architecture, especially old barns, was showcased when he built his own home. He spent many long hours in this project, as he was a perfectionist with detail. Dancing was another of Bob's passions; it is what kept him young. Even after his stroke, he continued once a week to frequent The Wharf, thanks to his friend, John Kesaris, who would pick Bob and his good friend Bruno up and then after deliver them safely home. He also loved to restore old cars and many a bicycle for the neighborhood children. His belief was every child should have a bike to ride and enjoy.

Robert is survived by his loving daughters and caregivers, Karen Johnson, of Augusta, Wendy Johnson, of Manchester, and Kellie Johnson, of Augusta; two sons, Michael Johnson and his wife, Debbie, of Manchester, and Robert Johnson and his wife, Kandis, of South Gardiner; and grandchildren Amanda Mills and her husband, Jayson, and special great-granddaughter Kady, Shawn Johnson and his wife, Christine, and special great-grandson Luke, Kiley Bonenfant, Robert Johnson, Cory Johnson and Travis Johnson.

Due to his lengthy and complicated illnesses, Bob's daughters wish to express their unending gratitude to all the wonderful friends who came for visits, brought food or shared a shoulder to cry on during this very difficult time. Special thanks are extended to Bena Mahaney, widow of his good friend Tom, for her daily phone calls to Kellie with care, praise and encouragement to us all; Don Tuttle for his weekly visits with candy and laughter (two of Bob's favorite things); special friends Weldon and Donna Astle for their many caring visits; grandson Shawn for the many, at times silent, five-hour trips to camp and for always being there; and his little "nurse" Kady for being a light to us all during this dark time.

A special thanks to his many doctors: Dr. Cheng, whose quiet, professional manner so impressed our Dad; Dr. Norstrand, who bought his favorite classic car, much to his delight, and whose wit was a great match, as was Dr. Healy's. Dad so enjoyed seeing them. A special thanks also to Dr. Brassard, whose kindness was so appreciated, and to the staff at the Maine Veterans' Home where Dad recuperated from his lung surgery. His stay there was exceptional and he continued to visit thereafter. Jane O'Rourke and Dr. Gershman -- thank you for your encouragement and support and the dignified manner in which you treated our Dad. HealthReach and Hospice staff, Debbie Heald, our returning angel, Nadine's care and kindness, Althea's emotional support, we so appreciated you all.

Robert's No. 1 priority was to ensure the emotional as well as financial well being of his special daughter, Kellie. With this in mind, the following were his wishes. There will be a private family burial memorial service at a later date. Memorial donations in Robert's memory may be made to the Kellie Ann Johnson Special Needs Trust, Kennebec Savings Bank, 150 State St., P.O. Box 50, Augusta, ME 04332.

Rest in peace, you will be sorely missed.

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