Aldie Edwin Johnson

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Aldie Edwin Johnson

DANVERS, MA — On September 23, 2012, Aldie Edwin Johnson, Jr., 87, of Bedford, MA and Waterford, ME died peacefully at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA with his family at his side.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Wilma; his son, Aldie E. Johnson, III of Pasadena, CA and two daughters, Jo Lynne J (David Johnson) of Stratham, NH and Merri Lee Johnson of Bedford, MA; four grandchildren, Amanda Johnson of Brooklyn, NY; Kara, Connor and Tanner Johnson of Pasadena, CA.; two nieces and four nephews.

Aldie grew up in Davenport, IA, graduated from Davenport HS and joined the Army in 1943. A graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1947, Aldie spent his career in aerospace and structural engineering. He was both Treasurer and President of Society of Experimental Stress Analysis (later SEM) prior to his retirement in 1985.

In the early '60s, he designed and built a cabin on the shores of Keoka Lake in Waterford where he enjoyed sailing, puttering and exploring the surrounding area. While living in Bedford, he was involved in many community activities, including Bedford Council on Aging Fix-it Shop, Bedford Santa Program, 4-H and as a board member of The Charles River Museum of Industry (Waltham, MA).

Following the purchase of a pile of parts in 1977, he turned his woodworking skills to the complete restoration of a 1931 Model A Mail Truck. He served on the board of MAFFI (Model A Ford Foundation) and the Minuteman Model A Ford Club. He researched and authored “The Ford Model A Mail Truck” as well as his family’s genealogy book.

Following cremation, a private committal service has been held. There will be a Memorial Service/Celebration of his Life on January 12, 2013 at the First Parish Church in Bedford, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Model A Ford Museum @ Gilmore Car Museum, c/o MAFFI, PO Box 95151, Nonantum, MA 02495.