Topsham – , age 80 of Topsham, passed away Friday, November 23, 2018 at his residence.

John was born in Bath, Maine on December 31, 1937, a son of Richard F. and Marjorie E. (Smith) Johnson.  He attended Bath schools and Morse High School.

Following high school, John served in the U.S. Coast Guard for over 20 years, during which time he deployed to many countries.  Chief Boatswain Mate, John served on the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton while on a tour of duty in Vietnam. He performed a variety of duties in several capacities, including lighthouse keeper in several coastal Maine locals and Small Boat Coxswain on multiple search and rescue missions. He retired from Coast Guard Base Honolulu in 1976.

Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Mr. Johnson worked at Bath Iron Works as a Ship Rigger for 23 years, retiring in 1999.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 202 of Topsham and enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, vegetable gardening, and walking in the woods.  He was also very talented at making homemade wooden Christmas ornaments, such as miniature skis, ice skates and snow shoes.

John loved his family and will be remembered as a kind, honest man.  He enjoyed sharing memories of his childhood and Coast Guard experiences with his children and grandchildren.  He was also very proud of his Norwegian Heritage.

John is predeceased by his parents, a brother, Richard F. Johnson, Jr; and a sister, Olga Christina Young.

He leaves behind his wife, Patricia of 58 years;  a son, John H. Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Joy of Bowdoin; four daughters, Margie Hawkes and her husband Mark of Phippsburg, Victoria L. St. John of Holyoke, MA, Linda A. Johnson of Topsham, and Pamela Mae Prince and her husband, George of Harpswell; seven grandchildren, Jarrod Hawkes and Christopher Hawkes, both of Phippsburg, John H. Johnson, III of Bowdoin, Miranda M. LeBourdais of Bath, Clarissa M. LeBourdais of Woolwich; Travis J. Johnson of Topsham; Lacey G. Campbell of Cape Elizabeth; and seven great grandchildren.

“The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Topsham medical and law enforcement first responders for their help and compassion during Mr. Johnson’s illness and final day.”

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to CHANS Hospice, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.  Arrangements are in the care of Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick.  Condolences may be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com