Obituary of Bruce M. Johnson

Bruce M. Johnson, 80, of Bemus Point, NY, passed away Friday October 11, 2019 in his home, surrounded by his family. A lifelong area resident, he was born June 25, 1939 in Jamestown the son of the late Vernon and Mildred Hartley Johnson. Bruce was a 1957 graduate of the former Bemus Point High School. As a teenager, he went to work for Spike Kelderhouse as a fishing guide on Chautauqua Lake. He entered the United States Army, serving from 1962 until 1968. After his Honorable Discharge, he worked at the Fish Hatchery and for many years at the AAA office in Jamestown. He retired from Slone Melhuish Insurance. Bruce was a 61 year member of the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member of the Lawson Center from its inception. A gifted woodworker, he loved making cutting boards from the many Chautauqua County hardwoods and would sell them at the Bemus Point Library and donate the proceeds back to the Library. He also participated twice a year at the Stir of Artists in the Bemus Point Park. Bruce touched the entire community with his generosity and was always there to help. His greatest pride and joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his daughter, Jill (David) Braund; his son, Kurtis Johnson; two grandchildren, Ryan (Veronica) Braund and Katherine Braund; and two great grandchildren Leeha and Cora all of Bemus Point. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Vernon Johnson. The family invites everyone to join them at an open house to celebrate Bruce's life from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday October 20, 2019 at the Lawson Center in Bemus Point. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lawson Center, PO Box 10, Bemus Point, NY 14712; or the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Alburtis Ave., Bemus Point, NY 14712; or the Bemus Point Public Library, 13 Main Street, Bemus Point, NY 14712; or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.