Bruce M. Johnson

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 U.S. Army, serving from 1962-68. 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-randchildren: 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 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 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, P.O. 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.

You may leave a condolence for Bruce’s family at www.lindfuneralhome. com.