Obituary of Richard Morris Johnson Sr.

Belvidere, Richard M. Johnson Sr. 77, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Saturday morning, December 17, 2016 at his home on Back Road in Belvidere. Richard was born January 16, 1939 in Colchester, the son of the late Ralph and Bessie Hathaway Johnson. He served in the Vermont National Guard for 5 years followed by 4 years in in the US Air Force where he served in Korea. On April 6, 1961 he married Roberta Turner in the United Church of Milton. A resident of Milton after their marriage, they moved to Georgia where they lived over 20 years. He worked for the Milton School district in the school’s maintenance department for 35 years. Following his retirement from Milton they moved to Belvidere and lived in their present home on Back Road over 20 years ago. Not wanting to fully retire, Richard worked part time for both the Colchester and Belvidere school systems. In Belvidere he enjoyed working with the Meals on Wheels Program. An active family man, while his children were young he enjoyed his “Mini Farm” and its animals. He loved camping and fishing, coaching Babe Ruth and Little League in Georgia as well as driving school bus for the town. In Belvidere he enjoyed his woodworking shop, building trains and various toys. He most recently became involved in the art of Beekeeping and found enjoyment in building beekeeping supplies for himself and others. An avid Red Sox fan, he enjoyed his trips to Florida as well. He will be greatly missed by those who know him and he is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Roberta of Belvidere and their children, Ray Johnson and his wife, Lisa of Belvidere, Richard Johnson Jr. of Milton, Heather Valyou and her husband, Corey of Westford and Sheri Johnson and her partner, Kevin Stevens of Waterville. 7 grandchildren including Joseph, who was always by his side, and 8 great grandchildren, his 2 sisters, Edna Oxford and her husband, Dewayne of Benton, KY and Betty Young of Georgia. His 2 brothers, Ralph Johnson and his wife, Carol of Plattsburg, NY and Reginald Johnson and his wife, Shirley of Georgia, his 2 brother’s in law, Allen Turner and his wife, Paula of Peru, NY and Bruce Turner and his wife, Calinda of Georgia, several nieces and nephews and his furry four legged friend, Koko who was constantly by his side. As per Richard’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. A burial will be held at a later time in the family lot in the Belvidere Cemetery.