Obituary of Gene K.M. Johnson

St. Regis Falls- Gene Kenneth Martin Johnson, 42, passed away August 20, 2016 in Sun City West, Arizona. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls. Gene was born in Saranac Lake, NY on November 12, 1973 to Gene Ira and Karleen Ann Johnson. Graduating from St. Regis Falls High School he furthered his education at SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Plattsburgh, and Hudson Valley Community College. He was an officiate at his brother Noel’s wedding in Estes Park, CO., in September 2012. Always eager to help people, Gene shared his compassion for others while working as a Counselor at Joseph’s House in Troy, NY and the Center for Disability Services in Cohoes, NY. Gene’s compassion carried over into his personal life in always being a loyal friend and confidant. His sense of humor was never diminished and his empathy was augmented by his life experiences. Gene had a welcoming and kind presence that enabled him to strike up conversations, build connections, and create friendships wherever he went; everyone who knew Gene would have a story to tell. He was a true people person who enjoyed intellectually bantering with his friends and family and making others laugh. He also loved to grace others with his musical talent by singing and enjoyed all genres of music. In addition to music, he took pleasure in Lego’s (with his cousin John Whitmarsh) and military history and weaponry memorabilia. He was a proud member of the Masons as was his father and paternal grandfather. He loved his dog (Dona Isabella), the rain, cooking and making personalized music CD’s for friends and family. He is survived by his mother, Karleen Johnson, his siblings: Heidi Johnson, Kary Johnson(Curt Stager), Dawna (Steven) Bellwoar, Noel (Sara) Johnson, Hope Pickering, Milly Susice, and Lillian (Ron) Chapman, and by his nephews and nieces: Kennen (Kathleen) Johnson, Christian (Jamie) Mulverhill, Cahlab Mulverhill, Patrick Bellwoar, Rayna Bellwoar, Noah Johnson, Derek Pickering, Brian Willcuts, Sharee Willcuts, Darian Hines, Anthony Susice, Ryan Susice, Kayla Tebeau, and Danielle Tower. Survivors also include several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Gene was predeceased by his father Gene I. Johnson in 2012 and a brother in infancy. Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Gene’s life at the St. Regis Falls Sportsman’s Club in a Memorial and Remembrance Service on his Birthday, Saturday November 12 from 1-4pm. The service will begin at 1:00pm with Certified Celebrant Julia O’Brien. Memories and condolences may be shared with Gene’s family at www.hammillfh.com