Peter F. Johnson

JOHNSON Peter Johnson Capt. Peter F. Johnson, a maritime industry executive and Chairman of the company he founded in 1976, Pacific-Gulf Marine, Inc., died December 1, 2008 at his home in New Orleans. He was 74. Son of the late William Bennett Johnson & Sarah Nee Johnson, Capt. Johnson was born in Salem, MA on May 7, 1934 and was extremely proud of his family's heritage & maritime background. His father's great grandfather, together with his two brothers, had been shipmasters in the early 1800's sailing out of Salem, MA on vessels engaged in the China trade and were all members of the prestigious East India Marine Society. A heritage steep in patriotism, at least one family member had served this country in every major conflict from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Pete spent his high school years in the Panama Canal Zone. It was during those years in Panama that he developed a love for the sea, an affection that would have a significant influence on his career path. Following his graduation from Ouachita High in Monroe, LA, he attended Northeast State Louisiana University on a football scholarship prior to his acceptance into the Untied States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Upon graduating from Kings Point in 1957, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and received an Honorable Discharge. He subsequently began his career in the merchant marine as a licensed deck officer while continuing to serve his nation in various capacities. At the age of 30, he obtained his U.S. Coast Guard unlimited Master's license and sailed for Texaco, Inc and Reynolds Metals Company in the U.S. domestic & foreign trades. His shoreside career began with Reynolds in Corpus Christi, TX as Manager of Marine Operations with direct oversight responsibility of the company's fleet of bulkcarriers. He served in various management positions in the maritime industry while also pursuing his MBA at the University of Houston, eventually moving his family to New Orleans where he was employed as Executive Vice President for Pyramid Ventures. In 1976, he founded Pacific-Gulf Marine, Inc. ("PGM"), an international ship management and marine operating company that continues today. A highly respected firm and recognized industry leader in the U.S. Flag sector, the company's management style reflects the high quality and integrity based service that Capt. Johnson maintained throughout a career which spanned over five decades. Capt. Johnson was a member of the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, Council of Master Mariners, The Propeller Club of the United States, Navy League, World Trade Club and the United States Merchant Marine Alumni Association. He was the Propellor Club's recipient of the "Louisiana Maritime Man of the Year" in 1986. A lifelong supporter of his beloved Alma mater - Kings Point, Capt. Johnson was recognized by the federal academy with its "Outstanding Professional Achievement Award" in 1987 as well as the "Meritorious Alumni Service Award" in 1992. A voracious reader with a life long passion for classical music, Pete was a man of integrity & high standards who believed two of the most important things a man could do in his life were to provide unconditional love to his family and make a contribution to his country. He was an avid outdoorsman who in his earlier years enjoyed hunting and fly fishing. In recent years, his most enjoyable times were spent at his Big Sky, MT residence with Mikell, his wife of 50 years, where they hosted countless visits from family and friends. A Man of Manresa, he was also a member of several organizations including the Pickwick Club. Pete was preceded in death by his brother, William Coleman Johnson of Merritt Island, FL. In addition to Mikell, his devoted and loving wife, Pete was the loving father to his four surviving children, Krista J. Dumas (Mike), Todd B. Johnson (Coco), Karyn J. Hoffman (Gregor), and Jennifer J. Taylor (Denny) and grandfather to ten grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as "Grumps": Cameron, Mason, Todd, Logan, Forbes, Cole, Peter, Sarah, Owen, Peter and Charlotte Mikell. A funeral mass will be held at Lake Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 1:00PM with visitation at 11:00AM. A private burial will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that donations be made to the Sister Servants of Mary (5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122) or Ochsner Cancer Center. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.