Stratford, NH - Irving Oliver Johnson, Jr was taken up to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on January 22, 2020 at the age of 89 years old after a period of failing health. He was blessed with being able to enjoy his life until his last day. He died peacefully at home. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Clark Johnson.

​He was born in Providence, RI, January 6, 1931 to Irving Oliver Johnson, Sr and Clara Ekstrom Johnson. He grew up in their Pawtucket, RI home with many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He became a talented young man. He loved horses and horse back riding. He ponied horses at Narragansett and Lincoln racetracks.

He graduated from Pawtucket High School and moved to New Hampshire with his parents. After moving to New Hampshire, he furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree June 9, 1963 and a Master of Science for Teachers in Chemistry. After completing his education, he taught chemistry and physics at Nute High School in Milton, NH. He became principal of Nute High before ending his professional life and retiring to enjoy his later years.

He met the love of his life Shirley Clark in Strafford, NH when his parents moved to a beautiful farm on a sunny hillside known as Mousam. They married and had eight wonderful children and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren: Carl H. Johnson (deceased) his widow Sandra (Pineo) Johnson and their sons Rick Stewart (deceased) and Brian Stewart, Karen J. Desmarais husband Paul H. Desmarais and their children, Wade A. Zimmerman, Paul G. Desmarais, Paula M. Desmarais Bentley, Irving Mark Johnson, Meggan J. Yeaton and her children James D. Yeaton and Jenifer Bergeron, Adrian Kirk Johnson wife Marcia Palumbo Johnson and their children Danielle Bowlen, Carriann Felder, and DeishaDavis, Jan I. Johnson deceased, Amy J. Floyd husband Lee O. Floyd and daughter Erin Floyd, Ruth Nan J. Soule husband Douglas W. Soule and their sons Cory E. Soule and Andy D. Soule.

He was always in action. Working to harvest trees or planting a garden. He loved animals. There were always dogs, cats, cows, ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. These animals provided milk, meat, wool, companionship and love. He developed a special love for Border Collies. Eli was his faithful companion and was always there with him.

He was a handy man and could fix anything from houses to cars and tractors. He could take care of sick lambs and calves as well as children.  Before finishing his education, he worked as a woodsman, a delivery truck driver for Hathaway Bakery, and did body and fender work at Towles Garage.

​He was always there for his family. He will be greatly missed. Looking forward to a grand reunion in heaven. Rest in Peace Sonny, Irving, Dad, Grampa, Gramps, Great Grandpa. We'll love you forever.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Meaderboro Community Church in Rochester, NH.

A celebration of life is being planned for the summer. Exact date and time to be determined.

To leave online condolences for Irving, please visit www.bernierfuneralhome.net . Care for the Johnson family has been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home.