If you knew Deron “Duke” Johnson of Smithfield, Maine, son of Carol & John “Jack” Johnson, Sr., then you knew several important things about him. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife of 12 years, Christy Johnson, and son, Damon Johnson, both of whom he loved more than anything in the world. Duke could liven up any room with his smile and charisma. He was a loyal and devoted friend. He loved ice cream. His radio was always tuned to the Lithium channel and he liked to sing Chris Cornell songs. Duke loved to travel and was adventurous. But his passion was fly fishing, and if he could pick any river to fly fish it would be in Montana.

Duke graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1989 and Eastern Maine Community College in 1999. He also served in the US Air Force in the 337th Airlift Squadron and was a licensed white water rafting guide. He worked in the Electrical and Instrumentation Shop at SAPPI for 17 years alongside his father, brothers, and co-workers who became a second family. 

Duke loved life and lived it to its fullest, even while battling cancer in his final year. His peaceful passing at home on September 11, 2022 will be felt throughout the community because of how many lives he touched in his 51 years. 

Duke’s immediate family meant the world to him and they were by his side throughout his brightest days and hardest hours. They include his brothers: John &; Marie Johnson, Jr. and Brian & Stephanie Johnson; nieces and nephew: Brooke & Matthew Libby; Caitlyn Johnson; Tanner Johnson; cousins Kathleen & David Talley; and in-laws Joseph & Annette Lepkowski.

Duke also had a wide network of extended family and friends that he loved and shared many memories with. He inspired and comforted them up until the very end, often saying things like, “if you ever feel something on your shoulder, know that it is me.” 

A casual celebration of life will take place on October 2, 2022, at The Water’s Edge Estate, 624 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine between 4pm – 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Yellowstone Forever.

“Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” - Norman Maclean