Mr David Charles Johnson

David C. Johnson, 76, of Martin, Michigan and Pine Island, Florida, passed away on March 19, 2016 while in Florida.

Dave was born in Niles, Michigan. He and his family lived for many years at Indian Lake, near Dowagiac, Michigan, where Dave’s lifelong love of fishing and nature began. Dave graduated from Michigan State University with a double major in zoology and fish Biology. Soon after, Dave began his nearly 30 year career as a Fish Biologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. One of his first projects in collaboration with MSU was the very successful experiment planting Salmon in Lake Michigan which led to the successful strategy expanding sport fishing in the Great Lakes.

Dave and the many teams he led over the years contributed significantly to the growth of sport fishing in southern Michigan. They started the St. Joseph River walleye fishery, and built the fish ladders on the St. Joseph River, opening 63 miles of river to salmon and steelhead fishing. Dave retired in 1992 as the District Manager of the SW region of the state for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Dave was a popular speaker on fish and wildlife issues and a longtime member of the SW Michigan Steelheaders and Trout Unlimited.

Dave and his wife Susan spent their winters in Pine Island, Florida. Dave is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Cynthia, two grandsons, Nicholas and Dakota, and a great grandson, Mason. Arrangements are being handled by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cape Coral, Florida. Donations to honor Dave’s life may be made to The American Cancer Society or the Humane Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, Cape Coral, FL.