Obituary : Arthur K. Johnson
Arthur K. Johnson, age 77, of Edgartown died on October 24, 2008, after a short stay at Falmouth Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Patricia E. (Glover) Johnson.
Arthur was born in Milton and attended Milton schools, graduating in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he served on the U.S. Coos Bay, having an honorary discharge in 1954.
In 1961, he married Pat and they resided in Quincy for 35 years.
He worked several years in the electronics industry. In 1964, he joined the Quincy Fire Department, becoming a lieutenant in 1977. He served 32 years with the department, the last several in Fire Prevention, retiring in 1996 at the age of 65.
In 1981, they built a vacation home in Meredith, N.H. Many happy weekends and summer times were spent there with their grandchildren - fishing, boating, swimming, and sledding.
Besides Pat, his wife of 47 years, Arthur is survived by his son Thomas and wife, Kelli of Norwell; and son Eric of Easton. He is survived by his grandchildren Amanda, Matthew, Michael, Edward, Abigail, and Kelsey. He is also survived by his brother George and wife, Dorothy, of Lincolnshire, Ill.; and brother Ralph of Ithaca, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. Arthur was pre-deceased by his beloved daughter Claudia in 2005 and brother Wilbur in 1999.
Arthur and Pat first vacationed in Edgartown in 1986 and shortly thereafter purchased land and built a home in 1998, which became their retirement home. Here was the perfect place for enjoying his favorite outdoor activities: fishing and gardening. To make the winter months more enjoyable, he would start planting the seeds for his vegetable garden and grow them in his "hot house." Arthur enjoyed being a member of the Martha's Vineyard Rod and Gun Club. He was a long-time member and communicant at St. Andrew's Church in Edgartown.
A family graveside service was held on March 12 at the New Westside cemetery in Edgartown, with the Rev. Stephen White reading the service. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
