Erick Albin Johnson Jr

Erick Albin Johnson, Jr., civic leader, business owner, and loving family man, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2012 in Farmington. He was 76. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joy Naomi Johnson of Farmington, his son Victor, daughter-in-law Carolyn, and granddaughter Annaliese Joan, all of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy Johnson and sister Margie Peterson. He was preceded in death by his son, Erick Albin Johnson, III in 2005, and parents, Erick Sr. and Clara Johnson.

Erick was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on September 5, 1936. His family moved to Farmington in 1943. Erick graduated from Farmington High School in 1954 where he played football was a member of the State Football Championship Team in 1952. After attending the University of Colorado, Erick returned to Farmington and began working at the family business, G and J Hardware, Inc. From 1959-1965, he was active as a member of the Army Reserves.

Erick eventually took over G and J Hardware and ran the business until he sold it in 1986. Erick also founded and ran two other successful local businesses. In 1973, Erick founded KARE Drug Stores and opened the first store in Farmington. Additional stores were later opened in Aztec, Bloomfield and Los Alamos. Today, KARE still operates stores in Aztec and Bloomfield.

In 1986, Erick founded G and J Landscape Contractors, which he built into one of the largest landscape companies in the Four Corners area. At the time of his death, Erick was still actively operating the business.

Erick was also an active civic leader, a responsibility he leaned from his father. Erick was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission in 1970 and served for two years. Erick was elected and served on the Farmington City Council from 1972-1976 and then again from 1978-1982. While serving on the City Council, he was instrumental in brining the Four Corners Regional Airport to Farmington. Erick was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Knights of Columbus.

A public visitation will be held at Brewer Lee Larkin on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. A Rosary will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 7 p.m. The funeral mass will be at Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., with a reception lunch held immediately thereafter at the Church. Interment will take place at Memory Gardens later in the week.

Those who wish to send condolences to the family may do so at http://www.serenityandcompany.com/

Erick services are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., Farmington, (505) 325-8688.