Bernard R. Johnson

Bernard (Bernie) R. Johnson, 80, of Manchester, beloved husband of Helen J. Johnson, passed away May 29, 2017. Family and friends were able to help comfort him on his new journey.

Bernie is survived by his wife Helen, their daughter Karin Roether and partner Gus Romao of Middlefield, CT, son Peter B. Johnson of Rangeley, ME and four grandchildren; Lauren Piro and her husband Andrew Piro of West Hartford, Emily Roether of Manchester, James W. Roether II of Manchester and Gunnar B. Johnson of Portland, ME.

He is also survived by his brother Robert G. Johnson and wife Faith of Berwyn, PA., two nephews Gregory Johnson of Berwyn, PA and Christian Johnson of Darien, CT, and a special cousin Rita Chatelle of Bristol, CT.
Bernie was born in Manchester on December 13, 1936 to Carl A. Johnson and Olga Yanishesky Johnson. He grew up on the east side and lived his entire life in town, the community that he loved so much. He graduated from Manchester High School, class of 1954.

Bernie married Helen Johnson, eloping to Burlington, Vt. on October 22, 1960. She never had to change her maiden name! Their family lived in various homes throughout Manchester. South Manchester was where they chose to build their retirement home and lived there happily for 22 years. Each place they lived brought new friends and built lifelong relationships.

In June of 1962, Bernie started his career with Lutheran Brotherhood and for most of the next 35 years he was a District Representative and in later years the Regional Supervisor for New England. He served in many leadership roles in the insurance industry including: Hartford Life Underwriters, President of Connecticut General Agents and Managers Association and President of Lutheran Brotherhood G.A. Advisory Committee.
Active in both Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester and Emanuel Lutheran Church Hartford, he led many committees and fundraisers as well as singing in choirs at both churches.

Bernie was active in the financial development of Camp Calumet Lutheran, West Ossipee, NH, a special place his life which their children and all four grandchildren attended and worked on staff.
During his retirement years, he and Helen enjoyed many trips to various places in Europe, Alaska and Hawaii.
His most passionate hobby was ornamental gardening, taking great pride in his much loved home gardens and the church gardens he helped develop. In later years, He also enjoyed volunteering at Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Faith, family and friends were the most important things in the life of Bernie Johnson. Most importantly, he often expressed how deep his love was for his partner and wife Helen, who supported him for over 56 years.

A special thanks to the doctors, nurses and other staff of the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UCONN Health Center for the compassionate care they provided for over the past four years.

Calling hours are 4 pm to 7 pm Tuesday, June 6th at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. A memorial service is scheduled at 11 am, Wednesday June 7th at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street, Manchester, CT. Rev. G. Scott Cady and Rev. John Corgan will officiate. Private burial will be in West Ossipee, NH at a later date.

Memorial donations in Bernie's name may be made to: Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street, Manchester CT 06040 or Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, P.O. Box 236, West Ossipee, NH 03890-0236. To leave a message for his family please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com .


Visitation DetailsTuesday, June 6th, 2017 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Service DetailsWednesday, June 7th, 2017 11:00am, Emanuel Lutheran Church