Wendell Johnson

Wendell P Johnson: Nuclear Power Expert, Avid GolferYarmouth - Wendell Johnson of Yarmouth passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2010. He was born on November 1, 1922 to Clinton and Gladys Cushing Johnson. He was raised on Long Island, ME, and spent his married life in Massachusetts, retiring back to Maine. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he served with the Navy SEABEES (Construction Battalion) in the Philippines in the closing days of WWII. Upon returning to Portland, he married Pauline Jordan. Although he remained in the Civil Engineering Corps of the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Captain in 1987, Wendell’s primary career was in nuclear power. While working for Public Service Company of New Hampshire, he was selected to receive additional training to help plan and work at the first civilian nuclear power plant in New England. As he said, “it was an exciting time to be in that field. President Eisenhower had signed the Atomic Energy Act ….it was a whole new technology, and we had great visions for the future.” He remained in the nuclear power field, focusing on the engineering and quality assurance of the nuclear plants in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He retired in 1987 as VP of Public Service Company of New Hampshire (now Northeast Utilities) following completion of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. In 1993 he was awarded the prestigious American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s Codes and Standards Medal “for his outstanding technical contribution to the development of quality assurance requirements for nuclear power plant equipment and systems”.Although he was already an avid golfer, his retirement and return to the Portland area allowed him to develop his passion even further. He was a founding member of the Falmouth Country Club, and started the “Senior Group” of golfers that is still going strong today. He was especially proud of his two hole-in-ones. When not golfing, he enjoyed being with his extended family, and hosting “lobstah” dinners for everyone who visited.Wendell is predeceased by Pauline, his wife of 61 years; and his son Bruce. He is survived by his three daughters: Karen Rea and her husband Edward of Portland, Laura Quick of Hillsborough N.J, and Elizabeth Bouwkamp and her husband Kees of Miami, FL. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Anne Johnson Williams and her husband Buck Williams of Gainesville, FL. In addition, he leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great grandson.A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 11:00 am at the First Parish Church Congregational, UCC, 116 Main Street, Yarmouth, ME. A reception will follow at his home at 9 Blueberry Cove, Yarmouth. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in the spring.The Johnson Family has created a memorial of Wendell’s life and it is available at www.mem.com Please visit Wendell’s Memorial and share your condolences, memories and wishes with the Johnson Family.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: SEABEE Memorial Scholarship Association, Inc., P.O. Box 6574, Silver Spring, MD 20916.