Obituary of Ernest E. Johnson

North River / Schenectady: Ernest E. Johnson, Jr., 85, of Barton Mines Road, North River, passed away, Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Creek following a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 30, 1924 in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Ernest and Esther (Thunborg) Johnson Sr. Known affectionately by his friends as E.J. or Ernie, he served as an Officer in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WW II. Upon his return from military service, Ernie attended and graduated from Carnegie Technical Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and with General Electric in Schenectady during a career that spanned 40 years. Ernie kept residence in both Schenectady and North River. His experience with ALCO proved valuable for his volunteer work with the Upper Hudson River railroad and Museum in North Creek. He was a member of the North Creek Vol. Fire Company, the Warrensburgh Lodge 425 Free & Accepted Masons, a Shriner, Jester, and member of the North Creek American Legion Post 629. He was well known in the north-country as an avid skier at Gore Mt. Ski Center and referred to by many in North Creek as “Our Night Mayor.” Survivors include his brother, Alan D. Johnson of South Portland, ME; five nieces and nephews, Alan Johnson Jr. of Park City Utah, Kristin Johnson and her husband, David Beam of Portland, ME, Nissa Avery and her husband, Mark of Rockport, ME, Karin Hardy of Jamaica, VT, Erik Johnson and his wife, Mary of Fillmore, CA. Friends may call on Ernest’s family from 3 to 5 pm, Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 4479 State Route 28, North River. A memorial service to celebrate Ernie’s life will be conducted following the calling hours at 5 pm at the funeral home with his Masonic Brethrens and fellow firefighters and Legionnaires participating. Memorials may take the form of donations to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, or the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Creek. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.