William Robert Johnson, 81, of Topsham, former president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, died May 23 at the Governor King Community for Dementia and Alzheimer’s in Topsham.
Born in Boston, Oct. 8, 1929, he graduated with a B.S. in business administration from Boson University.
Mr. Johnson served as president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine from 1987 to 1991. He came to Maine from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association in Chicago, Ill., where he was senior vice president of the National Marketing Division. He had been affiliated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield System for more than 30 years.
Mr. Johnson served on the State Board of Trustees of Meals on Wheels and personally delivered meals locally for eight years. He also served on the United Way Board of Directors, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Greater Portland Region Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Medical Center Board of Corporators, the Miles Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and the MDI Hospital Finance Committee.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Scott Johnson; daughter, Andrea Kilkenny; and three grandchildren.
In keeping with Mr. Johnson’s request, a private service has been held. A memorial reception will be held in the summer.
Gifts in Mr. Johnson’s memory may be made to The Episcopal Diocese of Maine, Dementia Alzheimer’s Project, Loring House, 143 State St., Portland, ME 04101.
To offer words of condolence, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com.
Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland.
