Tri-Towns Bureau

People who worked with former Sidney Supervisor Walter F. Johnson use words such as "gentleman" and "top notch" to describe him. His son David said family was the most important thing to the long-time dairy farmer.

Johnson died Sunday at age 85.

Johnson ran his farm with his wife, Mildred, from 1949 until he retired in the mid-1980s, and the two raised their five children, David said. Twelve grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren followed.

The Sidney Rotary Club was a big part of his father's life as well, David said. He was not only a past president but also a Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, Johnson was a member of First Congregational Church in Sidney where he was a trustee.

Johnson also served on the school board for a number of years, starting in 1962, David said, spending part of the stint as board president.

Current Sidney Supervisor Joseph Maddalone took over after Johnson finished his final term in 1997.

Johnson became a town councilman in 1974, taking over the leadership role in March 1985.

"He was a really good man," Maddalone said. "When he became involved with something, he became personally involved. He is the kind of person that every town needs."

Ray Christensen — former chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, where Johnson represented Sidney for 17 years — said, "Walt was a very dedicated individual.

"What impressed me so much was how dedicated he was to his responsibilities," added the man who served with Johnson on the county's Public Works Committee. "No matter what time there were committee meetings, he was always there."

Johnson "stood up for what he believed in," Christensen said.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Congregational Church in Sidney.

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Mark Boshnack can be reached at(607) 563-1493 or starsidney@wirelessthinktank.com