Thomas Johnson

Former Wasilla resident Thomas Anthony Johnson, 52, died of a brain tumor Aug. 20 , 2008 at his home in New Windsor, N.Y., surrounded by family. A large gathering of friends and family shared their love and respect for Johnson at a funeral service and barbeque held Aug 23 in New Windsor.

A memorial service will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Wasilla VFW Hall, followed by a reception. Johnson’s siblings and son Patrick will officiate. Saturday evening friends are welcome share their memories of Johnson at a potluck to be held at his brother Tim Johnson’s residence in the Finger Lake area. Maps will be available at the memorial service.

Johnson was born May 8, 1956 in San Fernando, Calif., and moved with his family to Wasilla in 1967. He was the fifth of nine children born to Verne and Eileen Johnson. He graduated from Wasilla High in 1974. He was known for his huge smile, warm heart and cutting humor, as well as for his leadership and athletic prowess. Among his accomplishments, he held the 1-mile record in track and field, and was on one of the first Wasilla varsity basketball teams to beat Mat-Su Valley rival Palmer.

Johnson established a successful business in the New York area, and was a dedicated husband and father. He was an active member and leader in several Christian churches throughout his adult years in Chicago, Milwaukee, New Jersey and New York.

He was an avid hiker in his beloved Hudson River Valley and made a name for himself with his warmth and humor in a local hiking club, his family said. An accomplished musician, he was known in his community and surrounding area by the name of Tommy Jay, performing tunes ranging from tender ballads to blues featuring his cut-to-the-bone witty lyrics.

“Johnson had a unique gift for enjoying life, which he shared fully with friends and family in the brief four weeks he lived between his diagnosis and his death,” his family wrote. “All six of his children, as well as his mother and eight siblings, were able to be share incredibly inspirational moments with him during this time. Ever the performer, he completed recording many of his newer songs just five days before he died.”

Throughout the years, though separated by many miles, Johnson always kept close with family and friends, often returning to Alaska for family and class reunions. He will be sorely missed, as well as lovingly and laughingly remembered by all who enjoyed any part of his expansive life, his family wrote.

Johnson is survived by his mother Eileen Johnson of Wasilla; former wife Janice Johnson of New Windsor; sons Matthias Johnson of New Windsor, and Patrick and Luke Johnson of Buffalo, N.Y.; daughters Altercation and Jo Johnson of New Orleans, La., and Harmony Johnson of Buffalo; brothers Pat, Steve and Tim Johnson and their families of Wasilla, and Paul Johnson and family of Anchorage; sisters Verna Loosli and family of Anchorage, Sylvia Thomson and family of Aurora, Colo., Maureen Johnson and family of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Teresa Mordaunt and family of Bellevue, Wash.

Johnson was preceded in death by his father Verne Johnson.