Erik Arnold Johnson, age 59, passed away at his home on April 22, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
Erik was born in Albuquerque, NM on September 15, 1953, the son of Arnold E. and Jane (Gunderson) Johnson.
Erik graduated from West Mesa High School, Class of 1971, where he was an active member of the band, playing several different wind instruments. Erik was singled out to be an assistant to the band director and was known thereafter as the "band-aid". Erik earned a certificate from Technical Vocational Institute, following which he worked as an auto body technician for several years before joining his brothers in 1978 as a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard, the 150th Fighter Wing, maintenance squadron, at Kirtland AFB. Erik retired in 2005 as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, jet engines, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Erik traveled extensively, achieved much recognition and received many awards during his 27-year career with the NM ANG, among them the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement, AF Achievement Medals with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star. Erik devised two jet engine improvements which were patented by the United States Air Force, one of which was an early-warning signal to increase engine safety.
A comment in one of his awards reads as follows: ". . . countless dollar-saving suggestions have made him an impetus and inspiration to us all." Erik will be remembered as a true gentleman who loved his family, friends, his dog and his home and who had a natural sense of humor. Erik believed in working hard and doing his job well.
His loss is deeply felt by those who loved him, and gratitude is extended to the doctors and nurses at UNM Lovelace Cancer Center who cared for him during the last months of his life and especially to his beloved son, Erik, his faithful friend, Diane Dershem, and his devoted sister, Ann, who were by his side helping him battle his final illness.
In addition to his mother, Erik is survived by his son, Erik Jr. and his companion, Jaime Rangel of Albuquerque, NM, sisters, Jeanne (Williams) Johnson and her husband, Harry and Ann (Williams) Neeley and her husband, Paul, sister-in-law, Mary Johnson, brother-in-law, David Wafer and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Erik was predeceased by his father, his brothers, CMSgt Ronald "Radar" Johnson and Lt. Col. Hugh "Cato" Williams, and his sister, Sally (Williams) Wafer.
A memorial service will be at Santa Fé National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fé, NM on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. which family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may send contributions in Erik's memory to UNM Cancer Center at Lovelace, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
Erik was born in Albuquerque, NM on September 15, 1953, the son of Arnold E. and Jane (Gunderson) Johnson.
Erik graduated from West Mesa High School, Class of 1971, where he was an active member of the band, playing several different wind instruments. Erik was singled out to be an assistant to the band director and was known thereafter as the "band-aid". Erik earned a certificate from Technical Vocational Institute, following which he worked as an auto body technician for several years before joining his brothers in 1978 as a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard, the 150th Fighter Wing, maintenance squadron, at Kirtland AFB. Erik retired in 2005 as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, jet engines, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Erik traveled extensively, achieved much recognition and received many awards during his 27-year career with the NM ANG, among them the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement, AF Achievement Medals with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star. Erik devised two jet engine improvements which were patented by the United States Air Force, one of which was an early-warning signal to increase engine safety.
A comment in one of his awards reads as follows: ". . . countless dollar-saving suggestions have made him an impetus and inspiration to us all." Erik will be remembered as a true gentleman who loved his family, friends, his dog and his home and who had a natural sense of humor. Erik believed in working hard and doing his job well.
His loss is deeply felt by those who loved him, and gratitude is extended to the doctors and nurses at UNM Lovelace Cancer Center who cared for him during the last months of his life and especially to his beloved son, Erik, his faithful friend, Diane Dershem, and his devoted sister, Ann, who were by his side helping him battle his final illness.
In addition to his mother, Erik is survived by his son, Erik Jr. and his companion, Jaime Rangel of Albuquerque, NM, sisters, Jeanne (Williams) Johnson and her husband, Harry and Ann (Williams) Neeley and her husband, Paul, sister-in-law, Mary Johnson, brother-in-law, David Wafer and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Erik was predeceased by his father, his brothers, CMSgt Ronald "Radar" Johnson and Lt. Col. Hugh "Cato" Williams, and his sister, Sally (Williams) Wafer.
A memorial service will be at Santa Fé National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fé, NM on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. which family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may send contributions in Erik's memory to UNM Cancer Center at Lovelace, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
Erik Arnold Johnson, age 59, passed away at his home on April 22, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
Erik was born in Albuquerque, NM on September 15, 1953, the son of Arnold E. and Jane (Gunderson) Johnson.
Erik graduated from West Mesa High School, Class of 1971, where he was an active member of the band, playing several different wind instruments. Erik was singled out to be an assistant to the band director and was known thereafter as the "band-aid". Erik earned a certificate from Technical Vocational Institute, following which he worked as an auto body technician for several years before joining his brothers in 1978 as a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard, the 150th Fighter Wing, maintenance squadron, at Kirtland AFB. Erik retired in 2005 as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, jet engines, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Erik traveled extensively, achieved much recognition and received many awards during his 27-year career with the NM ANG, among them the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement, AF Achievement Medals with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star. Erik devised two jet engine improvements which were patented by the United States Air Force, one of which was an early-warning signal to increase engine safety.
A comment in one of his awards reads as follows: ". . . countless dollar-saving suggestions have made him an impetus and inspiration to us all." Erik will be remembered as a true gentleman who loved his family, friends, his dog and his home and who had a natural sense of humor. Erik believed in working hard and doing his job well.
His loss is deeply felt by those who loved him, and gratitude is extended to the doctors and nurses at UNM Lovelace Cancer Center who cared for him during the last months of his life and especially to his beloved son, Erik, his faithful friend, Diane Dershem, and his devoted sister, Ann, who were by his side helping him battle his final illness.
In addition to his mother, Erik is survived by his son, Erik Jr. and his companion, Jaime Rangel of Albuquerque, NM, sisters, Jeanne (Williams) Johnson and her husband, Harry and Ann (Williams) Neeley and her husband, Paul, sister-in-law, Mary Johnson, brother-in-law, David Wafer and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Erik was predeceased by his father, his brothers, CMSgt Ronald "Radar" Johnson and Lt. Col. Hugh "Cato" Williams, and his sister, Sally (Williams) Wafer.
A memorial service will be at Santa Fé National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fé, NM on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. which family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may send contributions in Erik's memory to UNM Cancer Center at Lovelace, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
Erik was born in Albuquerque, NM on September 15, 1953, the son of Arnold E. and Jane (Gunderson) Johnson.
Erik graduated from West Mesa High School, Class of 1971, where he was an active member of the band, playing several different wind instruments. Erik was singled out to be an assistant to the band director and was known thereafter as the "band-aid". Erik earned a certificate from Technical Vocational Institute, following which he worked as an auto body technician for several years before joining his brothers in 1978 as a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard, the 150th Fighter Wing, maintenance squadron, at Kirtland AFB. Erik retired in 2005 as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, jet engines, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Erik traveled extensively, achieved much recognition and received many awards during his 27-year career with the NM ANG, among them the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement, AF Achievement Medals with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star. Erik devised two jet engine improvements which were patented by the United States Air Force, one of which was an early-warning signal to increase engine safety.
A comment in one of his awards reads as follows: ". . . countless dollar-saving suggestions have made him an impetus and inspiration to us all." Erik will be remembered as a true gentleman who loved his family, friends, his dog and his home and who had a natural sense of humor. Erik believed in working hard and doing his job well.
His loss is deeply felt by those who loved him, and gratitude is extended to the doctors and nurses at UNM Lovelace Cancer Center who cared for him during the last months of his life and especially to his beloved son, Erik, his faithful friend, Diane Dershem, and his devoted sister, Ann, who were by his side helping him battle his final illness.
In addition to his mother, Erik is survived by his son, Erik Jr. and his companion, Jaime Rangel of Albuquerque, NM, sisters, Jeanne (Williams) Johnson and her husband, Harry and Ann (Williams) Neeley and her husband, Paul, sister-in-law, Mary Johnson, brother-in-law, David Wafer and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Erik was predeceased by his father, his brothers, CMSgt Ronald "Radar" Johnson and Lt. Col. Hugh "Cato" Williams, and his sister, Sally (Williams) Wafer.
A memorial service will be at Santa Fé National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fé, NM on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. which family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may send contributions in Erik's memory to UNM Cancer Center at Lovelace, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
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