Edwin H. (Eddie) Johnson, 83, of Sarasota/Bradenton, FL, died peacefully at home and surrounded by family on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Born on May 6, 1941, on Staten Island, NY, Eddie also resided in Union, New Jersey; Mountaintop, Pennsylvania; and Thornton, Colorado. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was most proud of his family, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Jane Johnson; his son, Edwin M. Johnson, and his wife, Lauren Delucca, of Steamboat Springs, CO; his daughter, Catherine Johnson, and her husband, Al Slavin, of Clarks Summit, PA; his grandson, Roy Slavin, of Boulder, CO; and countless family members, friends, and neighbors.
Those who knew Eddie are aware that he was a bit obsessed with the white whale of Moby Dick lore. He was often heard asking, in an authentic pirate's accent, "Have you seen the white whale, Mate?" The answer every single time should have been a resounding "Yes" because Edwin, himself, represented the "white whale" - a goal that may be relentlessly pursued but is difficult to achieve - for one may try to match his accomplishments, but doing so would indeed be a nearly impossible task. Like all great fictional sailors, he pursued a life of adventure. And like the white whale - he was a legendary and larger-than-life character.
In addition to shaping the lives of his children and grandson, he helped to shape the Manhattan skyline. Much to his wife's dismay, he had a reputation among New York City construction workers as being the daredevil who would volunteer to "hang off buildings" and complete feats that no one else would. At the age of 25, Eddie became the youngest high-rise construction foreman in New York City and was loved by his workers. An animal lover, he often brought stray dogs home from his construction sites. At the age of 35, he spent a year in Iran supervising the building of a large housing complex. In later years, he would oversee his work sites while wearing his signature green Carhartt jacket - a habit that earned him the affectionate nickname of "Shrek."
In fact, he was much like the iconic Disney character. A large man with incredibly strong hands, his intimidating physical appearance belied a tender heart. His children's friends (particularly his daughter's male friends) were often afraid of him - but only until they met him. Just like Shrek, Eddie had a sensitive side. Indeed, no matter how many times he watched the movie Ice Castles, he cried shamelessly during the final eight minutes. His children also remember that he needed a few minutes to compose himself before leaving the theater when he took them to see E.T.
Eddie made his children's passions his own. When his daughter took up gymnastics, he built her a balance beam. When his son took up skateboarding, he built a veritable skate park in the backyard - complete with ramps and an enormous half-pipe. He never missed a gymnastics meet or refused his son's request to throw a ball. For his daughter, an English teacher and voracious reader, he recently built a Little Free Library, which will henceforth be named the Edwin H. Johnson Memorial Library.
Eddie was a true Renaissance man - knowledgeable, educated, and proficient in a wide range of fields. It is believed among those who knew Eddie that the television character MacGyver may have been based on him. His daughter often noted that if she were locked in a dungeon with nothing but a spool of twine, a roll of tape, and a paperclip, she would want her father to be there with her, as he would certainly manage to use those few items to devise an escape. A "man's man" who loved his Ford Raptor, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and John Wayne, he was proud of his military service, rode a horse named Two-Bits in his youth, owned a boat that once belonged to legendary race-car driver Mario Andretti, and became an IFR-rated private pilot who flew a Bonanza v-tail with his grandson, Roy - his favorite wingman - sometimes serving as his co-pilot. He played football, fished, golfed, and frequented the shooting range. However, he also read avidly, followed politics closely, created scrimshaw with its delicate scrollwork and engravings, enjoyed performing at karaoke, and appreciated classical music and Broadway show tunes. His children not-so-fondly recall that as teenagers, they were often awakened early on Sunday mornings by their dad blasting the music of Evita; Jesus Christ, Superstar; Les Miserables; or Phantom of the Opera.
A man who made the most of the time he was given, he would wake at 5:30 AM during family vacations and proclaim, "Time to get going! The day is a-wasting!" Perhaps it is only fitting that Eddie's passing occurred early on a Sunday morning. The day was "a-wasting," and it was "time to get going" to whatever grand adventure was awaiting him in the next life.
Eddie's family and friends may honor him by emulating his character, embracing life to the fullest, taking care of one another, and making friends of strangers.
