Sunapee, N.H. —
He was born in Claremont, N.H. on June 13, 1949, and attended St. Mary’s parochial school.
He had a career in the fire service spanning nearly forty years. His career began in the Sunapee Fire Department as a volunteer. He then became a permanent firefighter in Durham, N.H. and later a captain in the Lebanon, N.H. department. He worked at the Vermont Fire Academy as an instructor/coordinator, and later served as Chief in Pittsfield, N.H. Gary also worked at the N.H. Fire Academy in various capacities since April of 1981.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and three children, Paul Johnson and daughter-in-law, Kim Tieu of Oakland, Calif., Valerie Johnson and son-in-law, Michael Brown of Fort Collins, CO and Stephen Johnson of Rochester, NH; granddaughter, Makaylah and grandson, Austyn; a sister, Mary Tillson and her husband, Larry; two brothers, George Johnson and Roland Johnson Jr and his wife, Mary Beth, as well as several well-loved nieces and nephews.
Gary had a wonderful gift for humor, and was an articulate speaker and inspiring instructor to young recruits. He loved his family, the fire service, and the endless possibilities of each new day.
Visiting hours will be held at the N.H. Fire Academy, 98 Smokey Bear BLVD, Concord, N.H. on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A memorial service will at the Fire Academy on Monday morning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements are with the Stringer Funeral Home & Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH.
To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.