Maurice “Morry” L. Johnson

Maurice “Morry” L. Johnson, 69, died on July 7, 2012, in Palmer from complications prior to surgery.

A celebration of life is from 4 to 8 p.m., July 13, at the Johnson family home in Palmer. Please come and share stories, memories and any “Morry-isms” you remember.

Morry was born in Palmer on July 2, 1943. His parents, Johann A. and Irene Johnson, were Matanuska colonists who moved to Alaska in 1935 to establish a homestead off Fairview Loop.

Following high school graduation Morry enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962 and served until 1968. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif., and Sasebo, Japan, where he managed the movie exchange that reviewed and approved movies for the military. Just two weeks ago, Morry enjoyed reconnecting with his PHS classmates during their 50-year class reunion.

Morry was hired by the Matanuska Telephone Association as a draftsman in October 1974. He retired from MTA in 2003 after nearly 30 years. After retiring he began spending winters in Florida so he could visit family and fish in warmth through the winter months.

He was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand. His salmon filleting and smoking skills were legendary. He loved fishing on the Little Su, dip netting reds on the Kenai and catching silvers in Valdez.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Karen Sweeney Johnson; son, Erik Johnson and wife, Kelly, of Palmer. Morry had a huge family and many friends; more than this newspaper could print.

Preceding him in death were his parents Johann A. and Irene Johnson; daughter, Christine Johnson; and brothers, Johann F. and Donald R. Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending donations to the American Diabetes Association, 801 W. Fireweed Lane, No. 103, Anchorage, AK 99503-1893.

The family would like to remind you to take a moment to update the Advance Health Care Directives of your loved ones.

Cremation arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.