Helger K. Johnson Jr.

Born on June 10, 1950 in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Helger Johnson and Margaret Mary (Doody) Johnson and a graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1970.

Helger served on the USCG Escanaba and stationed at CGS Scituate for the United States Coast Guard from 1970 to 1974. He later dedicated 22 years to public service as a Police Officer for the Town of Fairhaven, retiring in 2000. After his career in law enforcement, he continued working with the same dedication as a carpenter for Dockside Repairs and Eastern Fisheries until retiring last year. Having lost his father on the FV Paolina in 1952, the Lost Fishermen's Memorial Service was an important tradition to Helger. He spent many years walking the organ down to the pier for the New Bedford Port Society.

Happiest when spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Camping Trips at Maple Park with his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family were the highlight of his summer. Helger always enjoyed visiting family in Troy, NY and attending the Tugboat Round Up and Uncle Sam Parade. He was the founder and proprietor of Helger Mart - "If he doesn't have it, You don't need it". Helger enjoyed traveling, some of his favorite places aside from Sconticut Neck were D.C., Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Seoul, South Korea and St. Thomas. Having lost his father when he was 2 years old his most memorable trip was to Sweden where he had the opportunity to meet and connect with his father's family.

For 49 years, Helger was married to Cheryl M. (Connor) Johnson. Together they built a life rooted in commitment and family. He is survived by his children, Aislinn Ewing and her husband J.R.; Alissa Borges and her husband Shawn; and Erik Johnson and his wife Kathryn. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Landon, Connor, Margaret, Isabel, Charlotte, and Nora.

He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Lavoie; Doris Forand; Thomas Johnson and his wife Dawn; and Karla Mello and her husband Brian. He was predeceased by his siblings, James Johnson and Irene Martin. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Southcoast Health Cancer Care, 206 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or the New Bedford Port Society, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Visiting hours will be announced in the near future.