Daniel Alley Johnson III, 63, died on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy. He was born in New Haven, Conn. April 26, 1947, the son of Daniel Alley Johnson Jr. and Elizabeth Woodruff Johnson. Dan attended school in Orange, Conn., graduated from Salisbury School, Connecticut, earned a B.A. from Bates College, and a Masters of Education from Boston University. He began his professional career in hospital administration in Boston and did business consulting while residing in E. Winthrop. Later in life Dan found his calling, teaching American History at Bedichek M.S. in the Austin (Tex.) Independent School District, where, through his passion for learning, he was able to bring history alive for hundreds of young students.
Dan was a lifetime member of the Pilgrim Society of Plymouth, Mass., a collector of historical Presidential autographs, and an avid Barton Springs swimmer. He attended St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Austin, Tex. participating in the Centering Prayer group, and as his disease progressed, received additional spiritual support at The Seton Cove.
Dan is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Johnson of Damariscotta; daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Ebeth) Johnson of Austin; spouse, Nora (Ginger) Edwards of Austin; sister, Jeannette Sowles of Cumberland and her children, Parker, Matthew, and Molly; brother, Harold (Hap) Johnson and wife Susan Stranahan of Thetford, Vt. and their children, Courtney and Tim; brother, Parker Johnson and wife Becky of Lincolnville and their child, Alley; former wife and dear friend, Barbara S. Johnson of Austin, Tex.; as well as close friends and colleagues too numerous to mention.
Memorial service 4 p.m., Sat., Feb. 19 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1500 Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, Tex. A reception in the parish hall will follow the service. A memorial service will be held in Maine at a later date for family and friends in the northeast; at Dan’s request, his ashes will be distributed at Pemaquid Point, where he found peace, even facing tumultuous seas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salisbury School, Development Office, 251 Canaan Rd., Salisbury, CT 06068; St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1500 Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746; or a preferred charity.
