Harley Parker Johnson

To the Coolest, Toughest Grandpa I've ever known. Mahalo, Safe travels, Semper Fidelis, Godspeed, Farewell and Following seas. You will be greatly missed by all.
Your oldest grandson, Scott Appel.

I have a lot of fond memories of Grandpa growing up, especially around the holidays and the visit we had to his New Hampshire place. I think my favorite memory was visiting him in Florida on a solo trip when I was about 12. He and Cathy and I went to all the parks. At Disney World I took a liking to the brand new Rock n Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith, and because of his disability we got ushered to the front row. As usual Grandpa ingratiated himself with the ride staff, who then offered for us to stay on and keep going. I was thrilled, and despite looking a little pale, Grandpa stayed on with me for five straight runs doing vertical loops in the dark with Walk This Way blaring. Thanks Grandpa!

I had another visit with him in my 20s where we got to talk more about life. Some things he said on that visit which stood out to me were:
"I'm a social animal. I always need to be around people."
"I never thought I would make it to 50, beats me how I made it this far."

More than anything, Grandpa just had a presence and a confidence that would capture the room. I miss being around that.

I know the last few years have been hard for him and those taking care of him. Thank you all for making his final years as comfortable as possible.

I was very lucky to have him as a grandpa. He was probably the strongest person I knew, fun, and almost always cheerful. I didn't see him as much in his later years but we spoke on the phone often. I miss those conversations, and hearing his perspectives and advice on things.

Growing up I used to love visiting him at his house in Connecticut and New Hampshire. I still have the small wooden flag stand he made for me as a kid.

I lived with him briefly in 2008. I remember going out to breakfast with him and his friend numerous times, watching Forensic Files and an Abbott and Costello movie with him, helping him organize his karaoke songs, listening to him talk about our ancestors, and stories about his past career.

I always thought he had a fascinating life and loved the way he embraced various hobbies over the years (woodworking, researching the family tree, karaoke). He was opinionated, yet could also surprise me with how open-minded he was. I will always be proud that he was my grandpa.

Visiting the Johnson's in Southington, CT.

He was my dad. He was the best. I miss him so much.