Obituary of Graham L. Johnson

Graham L. Johnson December 25, 2012 Graham L. Johnson, 89, of Camillus, fell off the twig on Tuesday, December 25, ending a life lived with zest, determination, and great humor. He took his first breath on March 28, 1923, but his life really began when he learned to read. Growing up in the Depression, his refuge and joy were the many books he read each week. He never lost his passion for reading and learning, and would often say that books made all the difference in his life. After graduating from Ithaca High School, he served in the Army Air Force during WWII, repairing airplanes in India and China. When he returned from the war, he enrolled in the Forestry College, now SUNY ESF, where he graduated in 1950 before marrying his wife Janet that same year. College summers were spent firefighting in the West, where he developed an abiding love for the northern Rocky Mountains. As a budding photographer, the mountains became his first favorite subject. In subsequent years he won many photography contests with his landscapes. Following a career as a medical sales rep, he was hired as the photographer for all of the Central New York Eagle newspapers - a job he held for a number of years. Upon retirement he learned to golf, took up gardening, continued to read voraciously, and traveled when he could. Just a few days before his death he was searching for a new hobby that would engage his intellect and creativity in the coming years. He was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his two brothers. Survivors: Left behind to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kathy Osmond, of North Syracuse, her husband Daniel, and the many people whose lives were made brighter by meeting or knowing him. Services: Calling hours will be 5 to 7p.m. Friday at Tindall Funeral Home Inc., 1921 W Genesee St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local library or a charity of your choice.