ELMER THEODORE "TED" JOHNSON

ELMER THEODORE "TED" JOHNSON - ASCUTNEY - Elmer Theodore "Ted" Johnson passed away peacefully on Aug. 8, 2012, at his home, after a long illness. He was born in Springfield, Mass., on Feb. 27, 1928, to Albion and Pauline Johnson. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Maritime Academy on Gallups Island as a radio officer in October 1944, and served in that capacity until 1950, after contracting polio in India. After coming home, he attended MIT Lowell Institute in Boston, Mass., graduating in 1955. Upon completion, Ted worked as an electrical engineer at Minneapolis Honeywell (where he received three patents), Raytheon, RCA, Digital Equipment, and finally at Vermont Research Corp. in Springfield, Vt. Ted married Carolyn Houghton Grimes on Sept. 30, 1967, in Springfield, and they made their home in Ascutney for the next 45 years. He was an avid bridge and chess player over the years. He maintained his radio operator's license under the call letters, W1VKH. His interests also included astronomy, history, trains and ships. Ted was an especially talented vegetable gardener from which his many friends and neighbors benefited over the years. Ted is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Houghton Johnson of Ascutney; brother, Paul Johnson of Ocala, Fla.; three daughters, Judith Grimes Block of Newburyport, Mass., Alison Steele Raymond and husband, Keith, of Claremont, N.H., and Kathryn Johnson Boyle and husband, Kenneth, of Essex; and five grandchildren, Matthew and Jonas Steele, Scott and Tyler Raymond, and Nicholas Boyle. He was predeceased by his sister, Sherry Hoyt. Ted was extremely fond of and appreciative of his loving and devoted caregivers during his prolonged illness. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at 3 p.m. in the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad St., Claremont, N.H., with the Rev. Dan Kelin, officiating. Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., prior to the service. To view an online memorial and or send a message of condolence visit www.stringerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to Ascutney Volunteer Fire Dept., 540 Route 131, Ascutney, VT 05030, or the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.