George Gilbert Johnson

George Gilbert Johnson, age 84, was born on May 24, 1930 to George Gilbert and Blanche Johnson in Frankfort, MI. He died peacefully on March 7, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, the love of his life for 59 years. He knew her since she was nine months old. He is also survived by his daughters, Cindy and husband Terry Hatcher, Angela and husband Roger Johnson, and Denise and husband John Benson; son, George Eric Johnson; grandchildren, Terriann Hatcher and partner Crystal, Amber and husband Chris Daniels and Brittany Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Cohen and Aislynn Daniels; many cousins; and brother-in-law, Paul Sandman; sister-in-law, Cindy Sandman; niece, Jenny; nephew, Jeff; and great-nieces, Olivia and Ava. He was preceded in death by their first son, Dane Gilbert Johnson; and parents, Blanche and Gilbert Johnson. George loved photography, camping, fishing, gardening, and being outdoors. He and Sharon loved dancing. Special thanks to the staff at Brookdale, Pace, caregiver Luella, Presbyterian Hospital and Pastor James Tsoodle. George graduated from Ludington High School in Michigan and attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. He served in the Army and then attended Northwestern MI College in Traverse City, MI and graduated on June 10, 1955. He then married Sharon Elizabeth Thurber at Trinity Lutheran Church on June 11, 1955 by Pastor J.C. Johnson who also married George's parents and Sharon's parents. The family moved to Albuquerque and he took the position as assistant administrator controller at St. Joseph's Hospital in 1977, and then he accepted a position at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX as vice president of finances. From there, he returned to Albuquerque to accept a position as director of special accounting at Presbyterian Hospital where he retired in 1988. George was a member of H.F.M.A. and President from 1970-1972, the National Association of Accountants Board of Directors, and was on the board of directors of the Exchange Club. He was also a member of the policy making board of St. Francis Gardens, Chairman of Title 19 NM Medical Care Advisory Committee, Chairman of NM Hospital Association, and a member of Sisters of Charity. He served on insurance committees including investment for retirement fund financial directors committee and he served on Matrix of the National Board of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He received three merit awards for outstanding service from the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the Follmer, Reeves and Muncie Awards. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400