William G. (“Bill”) Johnson, 63, of Swanzey died peacefully at home on October 29, 2016 after a valiant, seven-month struggle with brain cancer. His beloved wife, Diane Harper, was at his side.
Born March 8, 1953 in Manchester, New Hampshire, Bill was the son of and Barbara (Gibson) and Elmore Johnson. He moved with his family to Laconia, New Hampshire, where he graduated from Laconia High School. He pursued his life-long passion for building and engineering in his studies at Keene State College and in his career, first with Kingsbury Machine Tool Company and most recently as Vice President of Engineering at Mass Tank Corporation.
Bill was devoted to his family and friends, and that devotion was returned. His kindness, and his genuine love for those in his life, marked everything that he did. He was patient, meticulous, and good-natured, even during his illness. The outpouring of love and care from family and friends during his illness was profound, and he regularly expressed deep gratitude for it and for them.
In addition to his wife Diane Harper, Bill is survived by his father, Elmore “Jake” Johnson of Manchester, NH; his children, son Erik Johnson (Korie) of Harrisville, NH, and daughter Kaitlyn Johnson of Hartford, VT; step-daughters Kelly Berkson of Bloomington, IN, and Abby Berkson (Erik) of Easthampton, MA; two sisters, Judith Duffy (Patrick) of Manchester, NH, and Nancy Tortolani (Mark) of Richmond, RI; as well as grandchildren and extended Johnson and Harper family members. Bill was predeceased by his beloved mother, Barbara Gibson Johnson, in April 2016.
An in-home wake will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 2:00-8:00pm. at 143 Highland Circle, Swanzey, NH. 03446. All are welcome. Private burial will take place in Harrisville, New Hampshire. Bill’s casket was lovingly built by his son Erik. In lieu of flowers, please take someone you love out for ice cream in honor of Bill. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH, 03446. (www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com)
