"I am good!" This is the legacy that Richard Johnson, age 67, leaves to all who knew him. They are words he shared with everyone he encountered in his years with cancer, words that manifested a sense of peace, wellness and deeper understanding of what it means to be truly living.

Richard, a resident of Scituate, MA, died on June 5, 2015, leaving behind a witness of courage in the face of trials, a dedication to bringing out the best in others, a commitment to improving the lives of seniors, and an invitational spirit to see what is most beautiful in the world and the people around him.

Richard was born in Utica, NY and lived in both Frankfort, NY and Utica, NY before moving to Boston, MA to attend Boston University. He received BA and MS degrees from Boston University as well as an MBA from Babson College.

Richard, who was also a licensed social worker, dedicated his life to the senior population and was influential in the start up of numerous residential living facilities in New England. He joined Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group in 1996 and was most recently the Executive Director of Village at Proprietor's Green, Marshfield, MA. Richard was also a senior consultant with the Welch Consulting Group and highly regarded by his colleagues as a compassionate, professional leader and loved his residents and staff.

Richard was a board member of Hernia Repair for the Underserved, a non-profit organization providing free surgical care to patients in developing countries. Most noteworthy was the helpfulness he provided in encouraging and advising activities for the poor in Haiti.

Richard had numerous talents and interests. He enjoyed kayaking and sailing in Scituate Harbor, playing guitar on his deck at his home overlooking a Scituate marsh he named "Marsh Mellow" and applying his resourcefulness and handyman skills to small home interior projects. He was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. Richard's passion for life and deep spirituality were evident to everyone who came to know him whether a beloved family member, friend or coworker.

Richard described his experience with cancer as one of growth, discovery and peace. He always said always he felt "held" by both friends and family, and by God; he would host "still here!" parties to gather those he loved throughout his cancer; and embarked on a spiritual journey through it all to absorb all he could about a God he trusted completely.

Richard was a devoted father and often celebrated his love for family and friends. He is survived by his two sons, Benjamin C. Johnson of Marlborough, MA and Samuel S. Johnson of Atlanta, GA and their mother, Jody C. Johnson of Wayland, MA. Additionally, brother Maynard Johnson (Patricia) of Duluth, GA, sister Janice Johnson Magilton (William) of San Diego, CA, brother W. Dennis Johnson (Shelly) of New Hartford, NY, and sister Mary Lourdes Johnson of Frankfort, NY, nieces Tammy Johnson Smith, Margaret Johnson Cioch, Susan Ruane Barca, Meeghan Johnson Griffin, Melissa Johnson Bannigan and nephew Christopher Johnson.

Richard's family would like to extend a special thank you and gratitude to the staff at The Village of Proprietors Green and Cranberry Hospice. Their compassionate, competent, and selfless care of Richard and family was beyond measure.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday June 11, 2015 from 4pm to 8pm at MacDonald Funeral Home in Marshfield, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11am on Friday, June 12, 2015 at St Christine's Parish in Marshfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to Amego Inc. 33 Perry Avenue, Attleboro, MA 02703. Attn: Susan McCarthy. (amegoinc.org)

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