Winthrop B Johnson II, 75, of Mesa, AZ, better known as “Bruce”, passed away peacefully July 4, 2020. He leaves behind wife Linda (Lee) Johnson; son Richard Johnson; daughters Lisa Johnson and Larissa Renna. His memory will also be cherished by his, sister Janice Johnson; sister-in-law Louise Johnson; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Winthrop Johnson; mother Gloria (Smith) Johnson; sister Lauren Johnson; and brother Richard Johnson.
Born in Detroit, MI, in 1944, he grew up in Medfield, MA, where he graduated from Medfield High School in 1962. He then attended Wentworth Institute and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in 1965. He then married Linda Lee of Millis, MA, on October 15, 1965, moved to Keene NH, where he worked for Kingsbury Machine Tool Corporation as a controls engineer for several years. Seeking a change he then moved to NJ where he worked for Standard Machine Tool Company until 1988. In 1989 he then moved to Tempe, AZ, and worked for several companies in the area including: Automated Solutions Inc; Alliance Engineering Systems; Control Logic Inc; Special Devices, Inc; and finally Rural Electric Inc, from which he retired in 2018.
While living in Keene, NH, he became a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Fraternal Organization, and after moving, transferred that membership to the Tempe Elks Lodge #2251. He served as Exalted Ruler of the Tempe Lodge for the year 2001-2002. Following that, he served as a Trustee of the lodge for many years. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Tempe. Friends will remember Bruce as a very special man to those who reached out to him.
Winthrop called himself a "rabid" fisherman because he loved it so much. He also enjoyed model building; especially wooden ships, as well as collecting Miller and Budweiser steins. Together Winthrop and Linda cared for their grandsons Lee, Grant, and Blue for 10 years. He was a loving and caring role model in their lives.
Together Winthrop and Linda shared much love and joy, and also some sorrows and difficulties. Linda will always remember the comfort and support he gave her. “He was such a very special man, the love of my life and most especially my best friend. We were married for 54 years and he touched my heart like no other.” Bruce was proudly married to Linda (Lee) Johnson, and they considered themselves ”soul-mates” for fifty-four years.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation for all your love and support during our time of loss. Thank you all for acts of kindness to our family.
It was Bruce’s request to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at the Tempe Elks Lodge at a later date. His urn will be placed in the family site at Vine Lake Cemetery, Medfield, MA.
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