Albert JOHNSON Obituary
JOHNSON, Albert Sidney III met our Lord on Friday, March 17, 2017 after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Known to his friends as Al, he was beloved by all who met him. He promoted a life of moderation, but enjoyed most of what life offered. Al's greatest joy was the time he spent with family and friends. For most of his life he was very social and active in the community. He loved to tell stories and share poems, music and words of wisdom. A devoted Catholic; he never missed church on Sunday and lived a model Christian life. Al was born in Jennings, Louisiana on September 23, 1931. An active child, he grew in intelligence and athleticism, rising to the top of his class in High School and was quarterback of the football team. He attended Louisiana State University where he earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Afterwards he served in the Army Corp of Engineers. In 1959 Al married his sweetheart, Agnes Marie Saulnier, after which they ventured west to Farmington, New Mexico for work in the oil fields. It was there that four of their five children were born. In 1965 Al purchased Oracle Drilling Company and moved his family to Arizona to support the copper mining industry at Magma Copper Company and other sites in Arizona. In 1966 their 5th child was born while residing in Oracle, AZ. Al continued to work in the drilling and mining industry until his retirement in 1988. Through his life, Al loved to take his family on vacations including motor boating in Arizona and deep sea fishing in Mexico. He became an avid golfer and was able to travel worldwide for work and leisure. In retirement Al passionately pursued many interests including wood working, docent at Kitt Peak Observatory, Christian studies, and charity volunteering. Al was an amazing husband and father, whose entire life was devoted to the well being of his family. With sadness his family watched his vitality taken away by Alzheimer's disease. They take comfort knowing that his vitality has been restored in heaven. The family thanks Al's friends for sharing their stories about his wonderful life. Al is survived by his wife, Agnes; four living children, Roxane Bonner, Cathy Cook, David Johnson, and Scott Johnson, along with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He has been united again with his deceased daughter, Kim Johnson. Services will be held Monday, March 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Catalina Catholic Church, Oro Valley, Arizona. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel (742-7901). In lieu of flowers family requests donations to Alzheimer's Research.
Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 25, 2017.