 JOHNSON, ERIK ARNOLD Age 59, died at his home on April 22nd surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albuquerque on September 15, 1953 he was the son of Arnold E. and Jane (Gunderson) Johnson. He graduated from West Mesa High School, Class of 1971, where he was an active member of the band, playing several different wind instruments. He was singled out to be an assistant to the band director and was known thereafter as the 'band-aid.' He earned a certificate from Technical Vocational Institute, following which he worked as an auto body technician for several years before joining his brothers in 1978 as a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard, the 150th Fighter Wing, maintenance squadron, at Kirtland AFB. He retired in 2005 as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, jet engines, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He traveled extensively, achieved much recognition, and received many awards during his 27-year career with the NM ANG, among them the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement, AF Achievement Medals with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star. He devised two jet engine improvements which were patented by the Air Force, one of which was an early-warning signal to increase engine safety. A comment in one of his awards reads as follows: ". . . countless dollar-saving suggestions have made him an impetus and inspiration to us all." Erik will be remembered as a true gentleman who loved his family, friends, his dog, and his home and who had a natural sense of humor. He believed in working hard and doing his job well. His loss is deeply felt by those who loved him, and gratitude is extended to the doctors and nurses at UNM Lovelace Cancer Center who cared for him during the last months of his life and especially to his beloved son, Erik, his faithful friend Diane Dershem, and his devoted sister Ann, who were by his side helping him battle his final illness. In addition to his mother, Erik is survived by his son, Erik Jr. and 'Junior's' companion, Jaime Rangel, of Albuquerque; sisters, Jeanne (Williams) Johnson and her husband Harry, and Ann (Williams) Neeley and her husband Paul; sister-in-law, Mary Johnson; brother-in-law, David Wafer; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, his brothers, CMSgt Ronald ('Radar') Johnson and Lt. Col. Hugh ('Cato') Williams, and his sister Sally (Williams) Wafer. A memorial service will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery (501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe) on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. which family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may send contributions in Erik's memory to UNM Cancer Center at Lovelace, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010
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