Thomas Paul Johnnson

Former Knik resident Thomas Paul Johnson, 52, Died Dec. 23, 2010, of natural causes in Oceanview, Kona, Hawaii.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at Sunny Knik Chapel, Mile 13.5 Knik-Goose Bay Road.

Tom was born on Feb. 23, 1958, in Lakeview, Mich., to Harold and Mary Johnson. He moved with his family to Knik at the age of 10. He graduated from Wasilla High School in 1977. He received an associate’s degree from Mat-Su Community College in computer science. Before moving to Hawaii, Tom made his home on South Big Lake Road since the early 1980s. His son, Griffin Edward Johnson, was born December 1988.

After many winters in Alaska, Tom followed his dream and moved to the Big Island in November 2010. Tom spent his last month with his longtime friend Bruce Gronwald exploring the island.

Tom will be remembered for his generous nature, loyal friendship and his quirky humor. Tom enjoyed warm weather, swimming and indoor gardening. He loved his son with unwavering devotion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Johnson. He is survived by his son, Griffin, of Wasilla; sister, Joan Hope DeChambeau and husband Tracey, brother, Dave and wife Sally, brother, Bill and wife Teri, all of Knik; nieces and nephews, Shiloh, Abbey, Mandy, Eli, Landon and Kylie; aunt and uncle, Duane and Elaine Ingraham of Michigan; and his good friends, Bruce Gronwald and Ron Swanson.