Samuel Scott Johnson

08-21-1942 to 02-21-2022

Sam was born in Portland, Maine on August 21, 1942 to Ernest and Ramona Cook Johnson.  He grew up on the South Gorham family farm with three generations of Johnsons; spending his days playing by the river and open fields with his cousin Dennis.

Sam attended Gorham Schools, graduating from Gorham High School in 1960.  He pursued his teaching degree at Gorham State Teachers College, graduating in 1964.  Sam went on to achieve a Masters of Education from The University of Connecticut in June of 1969.

Sam married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Gould Johnson, on June 13, 1964.  The Johnsons moved to Clinton, Connecticut in August and Sam began teaching Industrial Arts at the Morgan School, while simultaneously working on his Masters Degree.  During the summers Sam enjoyed his work at Essex Island Marina and often told many memorable stories about those days.

While living in Connecticut, Sam and Wilma began their family.  Diana Lynn arrived in May of 1965 and Stephanie Anne followed in May of 1968. A return to Maine in 1970 ushered in Sam's 32 year tenure at Marshwood High School as Cooperative Education Director and Vocational Coordinator. Sam's time working in his field of education afforded him many opportunities to come alongside young adults.  Many Marshwood graduates have mentioned that he was the sole reason they made it through high school.  His encouragement and keen ability to connect and direct young minds yielded much success, and gratefulness, in many lives.

Sam loved being outdoors, and he loved working with his hands.  Each summer was spent at the family camp on Bonny Eagle Pond.  Sam was able to spend days at the nearby family farm helping his father and mother, and evenings relaxing at the camp.  At his own home, Sam had a beautiful yard with flower gardens, stone walls, bird feeders, and a waterfall, all of which he designed and maintained.  He also had a beloved workshop in the basement where he designed, built, and shared many a woodworking marvel.  He was the ultimate craftsman and handyman, with their home filled with items made by his skillful hands.

Sam had a courageous and fitting end to his life.  He remained at his home in Eliot, loved on and cared for by Wilma, his wife of nearly fifty-eight years, and his two daughters Diana and Stephanie.

Sam leaves behind his wife Wilma; daughter and son-in-law Diana and Gary Kaszas of Fort Fairfield, ME; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Ted Smith of Windham, ME; sisters Virginia J. Vaughan of North Hampton, NH and Rae J. Bachelder of Brunswick, ME; cousin Dennis Hurd of Cumberland, ME; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Barbara Gould of Gorham, ME; four treasured grandchildren, Jessica, Natalie, and Megan Smith and Sam Kaszas; and a number of nieces, nephews, and special friends across the nation.

A graveside service at the family burial site at the South Gorham Cemetery is being planned for a special day in the spring. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Sam's name, please do so to the charity of your choice, or to Beacon Hospice of Portsmouth NH