Wolcott “Skip” H. Johnson, 87, of Brunswick, Maine, died peacefully from complications of a stroke while in the care of the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of Scarborough, Maine on February 12, 2018.

Mr. Johnson was born in Buffalo, New York on May 19, 1930 to Isabelle and George F.B. Johnson. Skip attended The Nichols Day School for Boys in Buffalo New York and then Saint Mark’s boarding school in Southborough Massachusetts. In 1953, he earned his B.A. degree from Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts. Skip took great care in nurturing the relationships formed at Saint Mark’s and Harvard participating in every reunion event offered.

Skip developed a lifelong interest in and talent for athletics starting with tennis learned during summers at his family’s Canadian home, and later ice hockey while at Nichol’s, St. Marks and Harvard. Skip’s passion and unmatched commitment to sport continued with competitive squash and road races, including completion of several New York City marathons until he met some physical limitations in his late 60s. Never one for giving in, Skip redirected his energies to expand his other curiosities and talents including the outdoors, photography, travel and sailing. While living in Brunswick Maine, he was active as an incorporator with Rotary International and a volunteer at the Mid Coast Hospital. Skip’s presence was a warm and welcome addition to the classrooms of nearby Bowdoin College while auditing college classes well into his 80s.

Mr. Johnson focused his professional life in sales and marketing which led him into the aluminum, publishing and real estate investment industries. His final years of work were spent as a partner in a business development and marketing firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Skip’s work took him to several residences to include; Louisville KY, Richmond, VA, Lake Forest, IL, Summit, NJ and New Canaan, CT before he and his wife Joan moved to Brunswick, Maine in 2003.

In 1959 Skip married Ellen Reeves in Lake Forest, IL. They had one daughter, Louise (Lucy) Wightman. In 1980 they divorced and in 1984 he married Joan Armstrong Whetstone in New Canaan, CT who passed away in 2011.

Skip was preceded in death by his mother and father, Isabelle and George F.B. Johnson, his granddaughter, Victoria “Torri” Wightman, his brother George F.B. Johnson and several beloved canine companions. Along with his daughter Lucy, Skip leaves two sisters, Georgia Pooley of Buffalo NY and Jermain Anderson of Princeton NJ, many godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and his Springer Spaniel and loyal friend Maggie with whom he had special relationships.

Those who knew Skip will remember his mischievous, warm smile, infectious laugh, and bright blue eyes. We will cherish his never ending optimism, original wit and zest for life. Skip never gave up on anything or anyone (to include a late night game of backgammon.) He made a profound and positive difference in our lives. Skip’s family and friends will come together to celebrate his life in Buffalo, N.Y on a greener, warmer and brighter day in the spring.

Memorials to his life should be addressed to Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church or to the Coastal Humane Society, both in Brunswick, ME. Gifts may also be made in his name to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of Scarborough, Maine, or New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland, Maine.