Name: George G. Johnson, Sr Date: April 7th, 1927 - June 25th, 2009 Obituary: George G. Johnson, Sr, age 82 of Bailey Island, died unexpectedly Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick. George was born at the family homestead on Bailey Island on April 7, 1927, a son of Harvey and Lizzie (Gregory) Johnson. He attended local schools and graduated from Brunswick High School. He volunteered for service during WWII with the Merchant Marines and later was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. In addition to being a self employed lobsterman for 65 years, George and his wife, Norma Jean owned and operated “The Johnson” B&B and Cottages until she passed away. The many people from all corners of the world who spend time there, found their lives deeply enriched from repeated visits over the years. George was a dedicated and devoted family man who also loved his work. As an avid conversationalist he found it easy to befriend new acquaintances and maintained long friendships with many of those whom he met. As a loyal sports enthusiast he was known to pile family and friends into his station wagon for the trip to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox play. In January of this year, George was chosen to represent Maine in Esquire magazine’s “Meaning of Life 2009”. He was so proud of this that he was often seen sharing the article with friends and strangers alike. He was featured in a Blue Cross/Blue Shield television commercial in the 1960’s. Professor Paul Goodman of CarnegieMellon University created an occupational documentary in the 1990s known as “The Lobsterman” featuring George and his son Carl. This video became part of "The Changing Nature of Work" series distributed to educational institutions throughout the United States. He was a member and 1959 Commander of Harpswell's John Leo Murray, Jr. American Legion Post#171, a member of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Charles Credit Union which later became Mid Coast Credit Union. He enjoyed playing cribbage with friends and bowling in the Fisherman’s League. In 2001 he met his former teenage sweetheart, Peggy. They married in 2003 and have greatly enjoyed their time with each other, travelling during winters and whenever George was not lobstering. George is predeceased by his first wife, Norma Jean (Miller), who died in 1995, and a sister, Jeannette Soper. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy “Peggy” Bello of Bailey Island; three sons, George Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, David A. Johnson and his wife, Darla, and Carl E. Johnson, all of Bailey Island; two daughters, Joan Smith and her husband, Adam of Bailey Island, and Mary Cleo Fortier and her husband, Michael of Strafford, NH; two brothers, Albert and Granville, both of Bailey Island; one sister, Barbara Ashley of Olympia, Washington; eight grandchildren, David Johnson, Jr, Joshua Smith and his wife, Kimberly, Erin Johnson, Audrey S. Johnson, Chelsea Jean Johnson, Alice Belle Johnson, Samuel Fortier, and Sarah Jean Fortier; his step children, Edward Bello, Elaine Bello, Laurie Bello, Amie Bello, and Amanda Bello; five step grandchildren, and six step great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8pm Tuesday, June 30, at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick, where a funeral service will be held at 2PM Wednesday, with Rev. James Word officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s memory to the Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire and Rescue, PO Box 177, Orr’s Island, Maine 04066. Visitations: 2:00PM to 4:00PM on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at Brackett Funeral Home (map/driving directions) 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at Brackett Funeral Home (map/driving directions) Services: 2:00PM at Brackett Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 (map/driving directions)