1937 – 2015
VINALHAVEN — Theodore Courtland Johanson died on Friday, June 5, in Vinalhaven.
Ted was born in Lynn, Mass., on Oct. 24, 1937, to Helmer C. Johanson and Ernestine Haines. He grew up with his sister, Patricia, in Swampscott, Mass.
He loved life on the ocean and began hauling lobster traps at a young age. Ted attended Kimball Union Academy, Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School. He was a man of strong principles who credited his childhood, education and time spent in U.S. Army service as equal influences in creating his outlook and values.
Ted continued the family shoemaking tradition when he moved to Maine in 1963 to start his own company, Falcon Shoe Manufacturing Co. His strategic leadership kept Falcon ahead of the challenges of world market pressures and fashion trends by using technology, innovation and hard work to continually move the company forward. Ted wholeheartedly believed that a successful business should work for everyone. His guiding philosophy was that an ethical business should not only be financially viable, it must also appreciate the high value and worth of its employees and actively support the community of which it is a part. For over 30 years, Ted’s leadership stayed true to these core values, evidenced in his development of employee stock ownership, continuing education and wellness programs and his continual and positive force in the greater Lewiston-Auburn community.
When Ted retired to Vinalhaven in 1999, he brought these same principles with him, and generously shared his financial and managerial wisdom with many others, including Islands Community Medical Services and Vinalhaven Fishermen’s Co-op. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Vinalhaven island community, whether it be working in the fish plant, sweeping Harbor Wharf or just chatting with folks on the street.
Ted felt most satisfied when he could use his intellect and experience to tackle local challenges and to build a stronger community. He often said, “You touch the lives you can.” He believed this earnestly, and his generosity and sincerity were felt by all who knew him, whether through a lifelong relationship or a single conversation.
Ted is survived by his wife, Patricia Lundholm; his children, Marcy Voelker, Todd Johanson and Erika Edwards; their spouses, Craig Voelker, Diane Johanson and Casey Dunn; and his grandchildren, Alina, Tess, Reed, Lucy, Cole and Henry.
Ted’s reach was vast, and he loved and was loved by many people. The few words here cannot encompass the greatness of his spirit.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.
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