Sign In
Russell Harvey Johnson
Russell H. (Russ) Johnson, of Milford, MI passed away peacefully on November 8, 2019. He was born in Northfield, NJ, the son of Harvey and Helen (Lore) Johnson, and older brother of his dear sister Gail (Cianciosi), who preceded him in death. During his early years in South Jersey, three lifelong pillars of his character were established: his traditional Christian faith (and love for its music); the importance of his beloved extended family, and his love of the shore. Later, he was a standout athlete at LaFayette High School (near Syracuse, NY), lettering in football and basketball. There he met the love of his life, Shelby (Sherry) Flanagan, his wife of nearly 57 years, who preceded him in death just 5 months ago. After earning a degree from the College of Forestry at Syracuse University, Russ proudly served in the US Army. He was a patriot, with a love of America rooted both in a firm belief in its founding principles, and in an ancestry stretching back to the Revolutionary War and before. (In extensive and meticulously planned travels, he visited 49 states.) Russ and Shelby eventually settled in Michigan, where he ultimately became an entrepreneur, and they raised their four children—residing first in Detroit, later In the West Bloomfield and Commerce Township area, and ultimately in Milford Township for the last 16 years. For 30 years, with Sherry, Russ enjoyed the majesty of Lake Michigan and the north woods from their beloved lakeshore cottage near Naubinway, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Russ was both a “people person,” and an “idea man” of considerable intellect. He blended these into a characteristic optimism. He always erred on the side of believing the best of people--investing himself in trusting relationships, valued friendships, the bonds of family, and tireless devotion to and encouragement of his children and five grandchildren (to whom he was known as “Bomps”). And he had an unflagging belief that virtually any problem could be solved by thinking it through and making a plan. All of these traits informed how he conducted his small businesses, related to his colleagues, and cared for his employees. Despite growing infirmity in the twilight of his life--and to the inspiration of all around him--he demonstrated these strengths of character not only throughout his tireless care of Sherry in her long illness, but also from his own hospital bed, joking with caregivers, and singing his favorite songs until he was taken to the Lord. Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford, MI, on Sunday, November 17th, 2019 from 2 – 4 PM, where a funeral celebration of Russ’ life to follow at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. For further information phone 248-684-6645.August 12, 1938 - November 8, 201908/12/193811/08/2019
Share Obituary:
Russell Harvey Johnson
Loading story for Russell Harvey Johnson