Walter S Johnson

Walter S. Johnson made his final journey from this world on February 12, 2024. Born on September 4, 1952, in Boston, Walter lived a fulfilling life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and an esteemed local business owner. He was the proud proprietor of Happy Trails Natural Foods in Gardner, Massachusetts for 45 years, serving a community he loved dearly.

Walter's favorite place to be was at Happy Trails, where he was passionate about helping others. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hiking, bird watching, camping, and deep-sea fishing at Plum Island. He embraced the thrill of discovery,  traveling to new places or hunting for treasures at yard sales, antique stores, and flea markets. His joy of cooking was known to all who had the pleasure of sharing a meal with him. Above all, he cherished attending his grandchildren’s games, a testament to his unwavering family devotion. 

Walter leaves his loving wife of 20 years, Brenda Johnson; his daughters, Sonja Sabourin, Erin Johnson and her boyfriend, Randy McNayr, Angela Johnson and her fiancee Justin Bear, Amber and her husband Craig Goodspeed, and Ashley and her husband Scott Cayo; seven grandchildren, Bradley Goodspeed, Brooke Goodspeed, Logan Richard, Kaija Sabourin, Hayleigh Cayo, Sasha Sabourin, Emery Cayo, and grandson to be Randy McNayr III;  his brother, Alexander "Zandy" and his wife Virginia Johnson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Eino and Mary Johnson, his sister, Maryann Hancock, and brother-in-law, Jim Hancock.

A service to honor and remember Walter will be held at Mack Family Funeral Homes, 105 Central Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Calling hours will precede the service from 10:00 am- 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Walter's name to the Montachusett Veteran's Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

We invite you to share your memories of Walter on his memorial page. Here, you may also upload photos that celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all who knew him. Through these shared memories, his spirit will continue to live on, touching the hearts of everyone he met. 

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.