Samuel Johnson

Age 91, died March 21, 2013. Mr. Johnson was born in Ft. Worth, TX on March 14, 1922. His family moved to Winchester, MA in 1929, then to Albuquerque, NM in 1934. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha Jo "Jody"; sons, Samuel L. Jr. and Jonathan Mark; daughter-in-law, Sondra Lea; granddaughter, Jessica Lea; and brother, William Johnson. He lived a full life. Sam graduated from AHS in 1940 lettering in tennis and basketball and was Vice President of his senior class and the recipient of the Alumni Association Outstanding Grad Award. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was placed on limited service due to the loss of one eye in a childhood accident at age five. When additional surgery was required, he was given an honorable discharge three months later. Sam returned to UNM, lettered in baseball, was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and organized a 12 piece dance band, "Swing and Sway with Sammy J." He graduated in 1945 with a degree in civil engineering (BSCE) and began working for the road department which was the code name for what is now Sandia National Labs. Sam became a supervisor and was in charge of a division in plant engineering involving occupancy, planning and layout. He retired after 38 ½ years. Sam will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, generous and kind spirit, his love of the outdoors, fly fishing, and all sports with a passion for golf. He has a wife of 61 years, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter to be very proud of. He has memories of wonderful friends, throw in fishing mountain lakes and streams and "a bit of golf" with six "holes in one" and shooting under his age 72 through 87, he had a truly full life and will be missed. A Memorial Service will be held at the family home Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a hospice of your choice.