Edward J. Johnson

Ed Johnson mastered the art of saying only what was necessary, comforting or important. He could communicate all emotions – love, contentment, sadness, and on rare occasions, anger – while remaining completely silent. He could also count cards at the blackjack table, fix anything that was broken, and give you a detailed history lesson. Later in life, after losing his sight, he may have become the only blind man to win a trophy for his golf game.

Friends, associates and neighbors may note his other worldly accomplishments. Ed married Barbara Jean Cognasi. They had four children, 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Through the GI Bill, Ed studied engineering at the University of the Pacific, and in 1975, he used his engineering background to start Phoenix Manufacturing Inc., a leading manufacturer of evaporative air coolers. After selling the company in the mid-1980s, Ed started Johnson Farms, a wholesale fruit farming operation in Queen Creek, AZ. During these years, Ed and his wife Bobbi gave lots of love to their family and friends. They focused on taking care of their children and grandchildren, growing their business, and supporting Sun Devil football.

After losing Bobbi to cancer, Ed met Jeanine Watt. They married in 1990. Ed gained a step son and two more grandchildren. Ed and Jeanine were inseparable for over 25 years. They centered their lives on family, travel, and care for each other. They laughed often and loved well.

Edward Johnson, our loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away Tuesday, June 12, at the age of 91. We will celebrate his life on Saturday, June 30, in a private family service that will be officiated by Carl Alzen.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be expressed through donations to Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org) or Arizona Friends of Talking Books (www.azfotb.org).