Patrick J. Johnson

Kind and humble by nature, Pat served as a strong leader and public servant throughout his life. He was a teacher and educator and always stood up for what was right. He was a man of conviction and action who was especially dedicated to human service issues. Patrick was one of the original parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in St. Clair Shores Michigan, and actively contributed as a Knights of Columbus member and lector.

Patrick earned his Ph.B, psychology, cum laude, from the University of Detroit in 1956, his M.A. in education and psychology followed shortly thereafter. He earned his Doctorate in Education from Wayne State University in 1967. Pat helped mold and influence the next generation as a teacher and principal for Lakeview Schools, faculty member of Wayne State, and Head of the Department of Education at Oakland University. In his 1992 commencement address, as Professor Emeritus, Pat challenged the audience to rethink their role as citizens and concerned professionals to become more active in their support for local schools and government, a mantra he lived by.

Pat’s life of service and political career extended over 40 years. He was a Boy Scout leader, basketball coach and president of Lake Shore Board of Education. He served as chairperson of the Metropolitan (Counties) Big Four in 1992, was a County Commissioner for 26 years and served as County Board Chairman for 2 terms.

Patrick served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant, paratrooper and Jump Master for 4 years. His grandson Patrick III serves in the same role as paratrooper, Jump Master and Sergeant First Class, 82nd Airborne Division.

Family was central to Pat, as was his Irish heritage. He was born on July 31, 1929, and is preceded in death by his father and mother Thomas B. (Ada). He is the loving father of Michael (Linda), Patrick (Cheryl) Jr., Steven (Kathy), and Thomas (Mary). Proud grandfather to Sarah, Jessica (Tom) Switzer, Brianna (Chris) Beier, Patrick III, Carlye, and Veronica, and great-grandfather of Amelia. He is the oldest brother to Thomas (Barbara), Grace (the late Ron) Green, Patricia (Ray) Taylor, MaryAnn (the late Jim) Pfeifer, the late Norman (Carolyn) and Kathleen (Larry) LaTarte.

Visitation is Thursday, February 8, 2017 from 3-9 pm with a Rosary 7 pm at Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes, Clinton Township, Michigan. Instate Friday 11:30 am, Mass at Noon at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 21201 13 Mile Rd., St. Clair Shores.