Anchorage Daily News

August 7, 2009

Bernard Gary Johnson, 70, died Aug. 3, 2009, at Lake Louise.

A viewing will be at 9:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2901 Huffman Road.

Gary Johnson was born July 24, 1939, in St. Paul, Minn., to Evelyn and Bernard Johnson. He attended St. Mark's Elementary School and Central High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force, being stationed at Fort Wainwright and Fairchild AFB, Spokane.

Gary earned his Bachelor of Arts at St. Cloud Minnesota State University and Master of Arts in Regional Development at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

On Aug. 14, 1965, he was united in the sacrament of marriage to Mary Lou. In 1969, the family moved from Helena, Mont., to Anchorage with their daughter, Jessica.

Gary worked for the Alaska State Housing Authority, the Federal State Use Planning Commission and the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources. His family wrote: "He enjoyed his grandchildren, Jazzercise, polka dances, expressing opinions to legislators, sending postcards when traveling, working on projects at his cabins, and cooking for his family and friends. Gary was a volunteer at the Performing Arts Center and his homeowner's association. A true gentleman, he will be missed."

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Mary Lou; children, Bill, Laura and Jessica; son-in-law, Michael Alfano; grandchildren, Nathan, Julia, Elaina and Dominic; siblings, Kathy (Gerald) Steiner, Pamela (Bruce) Novotny and David Johnson; 10 nieces; 5 nephews; 16 great-nieces and -nephews; and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brother Francis Shelter, 1021 E. Third Ave., Anchorage 99501. Arrangements are with Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home.