In Memory of

Gerald

Lee

"Jerry"

Johnson

Obituary for Gerald Lee "Jerry" Johnson

Gerald (Jerry) Lee Johnson, age 63, left his loving family on February 1, 2018 in Portland, Maine. Jerry was born on May 27, 1954 in Providence, Rhode Island, the 4th of 5 children to parents, David A. Johnson and Helen L. Winiarski of Cumberland, Rhode Island. Jerry is survived by his wife, Robin (Thyng) Johnson of Wells, ME; his brother, David Johnson and wife Robin, of Arundel, ME; his sister, Christine Webb and husband, John, of Narragansett, RI; his sister, Kimberly Deetjen and husband, Clifford, of South Burlington, VT; his sister, Judith Freeman and husband, Robert Fors (predeceased), of Westerly, RI; and many nieces and nephews in several states.

Jerry found his way to Biddeford, Maine, to attend St. Francis College, and upon graduation in 1976, formed a business partnership with his brother David. “Johnson Brothers Landscaping” became an icon in the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport area. For 30 years, you probably saw red and white trucks with an evergreen logo, and waved, not being able to tell if it was Jerry or David. If Jerry wasn’t in his truck, he could be spotted in a vintage MGB, a Targa-top Porsche, or a classic Mustang, with his beloved dogs beside him.

His taste in cars mirrored his adventurous love of life. David fondly remembers multiple cross-country trips they took together. Jerry worked hard and played harder, often jetting off to Barbados with Robin or Florida to golf, and in recent years, relaxing on Deer Isle, enjoying the Maine coast with his “Missy dog”.

Jerry developed an early appreciation for all things in nature. He loved to be outdoors whether he was fishing, golfing, woodworking, or just puttering about. Jerry was also a particularly proud man. He took pride in his family, his business, and especially his sports teams. He loved the Patriots and the Red Sox, and even attended Ted Williams’ baseball camp as a young boy. Many friends have appreciated Jerry’s yearly donations to the winner of his football pool (because he went with the “upset picks”).

He would always root for the underdog and did anything he could to help his loved ones in need. There was a tender and compassionate side to Jerry that those closest to him remember most. An interesting fact about Jerry’s early life was his love of the piano. Out of all 5 children, Jerry was the most accomplished pianist! Recently we discovered he could still hammer out “Silent Night” and “Chopsticks”, after all these years, and all those lessons. He also had a huge soft spot for dogs, and because of that, the family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare Society (PO Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094).

Visiting hours will be from 4-7 PM on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Bibber Memorial Chapel in Kennebunk. A memorial service in celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at Bibber Memorial Chapel on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM.