Geoffrey Douglas Johnson passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017, at the age of 86 years while surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Geoffrey was born in Norfolk County, England on July 18, 1931 and immigrated to the United States after WWII with his mother, Doreen Kuhlman (Johnson), step-father, Harold Kuhlman, and his sister, Mary. He lived in Grawn, Michigan until 1954 when he married his only love, Mary Ellen (Smith) from Traverse City, and moved to Grand Rapids. There, he was proud to have raised 5 children and live out a blessed life. He made frequent trips to Northern Michigan and felt a true kinship with the land, family and friends that embraced him in his adopted country. Geoffrey was proud to become a Naturalized Citizen of the United States of America in 1957.

Geoffrey worked as a Union Sprinkler Fitter (UA Local 669) for many years and was honored to have been part of such a fine organization. He was proud to know that he instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman that enjoyed fishing Michigan lakes with his sons and grandsons but he may have enjoyed smoking the fish and giving it to friends even more than catching it. Geoffrey enjoyed working with wood and giving his projects away to family friends that will display them for many years to come. He made light fixtures using his vintage canning jars and they now light homes in several states. Geoffrey loved traveling across the country with his wife and especially enjoyed his time spent every winter in Arizona tending to his lemon tree, playing cards and visiting with friends. His greatest joy was coming home again to Michigan and spending time with his family, feeding everyone and watching the hummingbirds come and go. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Geoffrey is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Smith), his children Gregory (Lynda) Johnson, Cynthia Siersema, Ronald (Robin) Johnson, Steven (Darlene) Johnson and Sharon (William) Cowan, his grandchildren Jami (Jeffery) Russell, Breanna Slater, Geoffrey Cowan, Kimberly (Burt) Young, John Cowan, Michael Johnson, Douglas (Marie) Johnson and Lucas (Erin) Johnson and great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Sydney and Maximus Russell, Cali Smith and Haylee Johnson. He is preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Doreen and Harold Kuhlman, his brother Albert Johnson and his grandsons Thomas and Curtis Johnson.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 4th from 6 to 8 p.m. at St Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Rd NE in Grand Rapids. A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11 a.m. at St Jude Catholic Church. A luncheon with the family will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Hospice, Grand Rapids. Please visit www.faithhospicecare.org/donate/giving or call (616) 235-5113 for more information.