Karl Michael Johnson

Mike was in love with mountains, particularly the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Born in 1951 to Polly B. and Harlan F. Johnson of Concord, NH, he began hiking as a youngster with his brother David and continued to find his way north with Outing Clubs at both Bridgton Academy (Class of ‘70) and the University of New Hampshire (Class of ‘75).

As soon as he could, Mike made his home in the unpredictable and snowy north country. He was the first winter caretaker at Gray Knob Cabin on Mt. Adams, a member of the ski patrol at Cannon Mountain, and a Park Ranger on top of Mt. Washington. Mike eventually landed with the New Hampshire State Parks Department, and spent twenty-four years supervising New Hampshire State Parks from the Canadian border at Deer Mountain to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee at Ellacoya State Park. The position allowed him to share his passion of the mountains with his family, friends and park guests across the state. Additionally, it gave him opportunities to keep talking to the “Old Man” as he drove through Franconia Notch and to keep inspecting the conditions on the summit of Mt. Washington.

The mountains, it seemed, loved Mike back. In 1975, they introduced him to the love of his life, Kathleen Mitchell, while working for the AMC at Pinkham Notch Hut. Their first date was a snowy hike up Mt. Chocorua. During the trip they lost the trail and, instead of turning back, created their own path to the summit. Forty-one years later their last excursion was a more prepared trip to Acadia National Park. Mike will be remembered by many for his knowledge of US Presidential history and baseball, and as an engaging storyteller with a generous laugh and a twinkle in his eye.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathleen Mitchell Johnson of Ossipee, NH; his mother Polly B. Johnson of Concord, NH; brother David Johnson and wife Roxanne Johnson of Carolina, RI; as well as by his three sons of whom he was very proud: Adam Johnson and wife Jennifer Carnevale of Londonderry, NH, Paul Perry-Johnson and wife Abigail Perry-Johnson of Seattle, WA, and Ryan Johnson of Tamworth, NH. He leaves behind two grandchildren Ariana Johnson and Lincoln Perry-Johnson. The family asks that no flowers be sent. Instead, they request you take a walk in the woods with someone you love and wander off the trail.

A memorial service will be held at Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, NH on Saturday, May 6th at 1 pm. Condolences and stories of Mike can be sent to: [email protected]

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord.

Messages of condolence may be offered at www.bennettfuneral.com