Philip Pearce Johnson

Philip Pearce Johnson
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Died suddenly at home, February 13, 2013. Born July 3, 1931, in Saginaw, MI, to Charlotte Rumsey and Harvey E. Johnson. He was a direct descendant of Elisha Walker Rumsey, a cofounder of the city of Ann Arbor. Phil graduated from Saginaw High School in 1949. He served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Johnson worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for nine years, afterwards founding his own companies, including Michigan Industrial Fork Lift in Saginaw, and later, two community-related enterprises: Community Communicators Involved CCI and Community Marketing Concepts CMC. For most of his life, he promoted community involvement with police and firefighter organizations around the State with the goal to build friendlier relationships between the people and those who served them. Phil was an avid reader, insatiable learner, and was especially interested in sociology, philosophy, religion, and American history, particularly constitutional and individual rights issues. His grasp of these topics was equal to that of any college professor and he wrote extensively about all he knew and loved. He was dedicated to preserving family integrity and was instrumental in maintaining family connections. He was a champion of personal liberty, and encouraged others to challenge their own beliefs in order to find their truest self. All who knew him will remember his devotion to the examined life. He married Patricia Goodrow on May 16, 1953. She survives him, as do their four children: Bryan P.S. Johnson James Shubinski of New York, NY: Nancy J. Johnson of Needham, MA ex-spouse Dr. Bahram Elami D'anne Armanini of Augusta, MI; Steven P. Johnson Cindy of Louisville, KY, ex-spouse Lynn of Saginaw, MI; Patricia A. VanderKooy Bruce of Boca Raton, FL . He was dearly loved by his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Ario, Noosha, and Kiana Elami; Jenny and Sarah Johnson; Alex and Katie VanderKooy; Lindsey Collins and Stefanie Bennett. He also leaves his older sister, Julienne Collins, his brother, Mearl, and younger sister, Rosalie Zanger, and sisters and brothers in law, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Cremation has taken place at the deceased's request. A remembrance will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 1-4 PM at Michelle's Restaurant in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes, or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.