"Rejoice in hope, persevere in prayer, endure affliction" (Romans 12:12). These words of St. Paul truly defined the life of Michael W. Johnson, who died at his home in Fairlee, VT July 14, 2026, at the age of 77.

 Mike was born October 2, 1948, in Robbinsdale, MN, the eldest of two sons born to Warren (Bud) and Lorraine Johnson. Mike described growing up in the 50's as idyllic with a neighborhood full of children to play with, summers at the farm where his mother grew up or at Boy Scout camp which he attended as both a camper and a counselor.

 Mike attended St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul, MN graduating summa cum laude in 1966. Following graduation, he accepted a commission to the US Military Academy at West Point. West Point was a challenge in endurance - academically, mentally, and physically - he liked to say, 'a million-dollar education jammed down your throat nickel by nickel.' Mike rose to the challenge and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Russian Studies. Mike formed strong bonds at West Point and in his later years very much enjoyed reconnecting with these friends in person and through Zoom.

 Following graduation Mike spent 9 months in Ranger Training, another grueling test of his strength but an experience that would see him through much tougher years in the future. Mike married his first wife, Jeanine Tyldesley, in 1971 and together, courtesy of the US Army, they traveled to Germany where they lived for 3 years. Their first son, Benjamin, was born in Germany. Mike had chosen Military Intelligence and was a control guard along the former East/West Germany border, effectively monitoring the actions of the Russian military. While in this role he earned several letters of commendation and his first Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Mike also earned a Master's degree in Political Science during this time, with an emphasis on Russia and the Middle East.

 Mike's intelligence work eventually came to the attention of then Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who recalled Mike to the United States where he served as Sr. Military Analyst on the State Department's Middle Eastern desk. Mike thrived on the intellectual challenge and opportunities this position offered. During this time, he received a letter of commendation from Dr. Kissinger and earned his second Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.

 After the military, Mike accepted a position as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch and moved with his family to the Boston area. Mike and Jeanine's second son, Joseph, was born here and 4 years later they adopted their daughter Katherine from Bogota, Colombia. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce, but Mike remained committed to being an active dad in his children's lives.

 Mike had a successful career with Merrill Lynch and was able to pursue his PhD part-time at MIT, completing this in 1984. His work as a stockbroker evolved to Sr. International Relationships Specialist which allowed him to use his knowledge of Russia and the Middle East to solicit trades with financial money managers, marrying his passion with a successful career. Mike began to publish a newsletter, The Geopolitical Strategist, and was a sought-after speaker who traveled throughout the United States and Canada commenting on the current political situation in Russia and Middle East and its potential impact on the financial markets and the oil industry.

 It was on one of these trips that Mike, at the age of 38, suffered a massive and debilitating stroke that would define the rest of his life. For 4 weeks Mike was hospitalized, and it was uncertain if he would survive. By the 5th week he had overcome great odds and moved to a rehabilitation facility, but the prognosis was grim. He was paralyzed on his right side, confined to a wheelchair with no prospect of walking or driving. It was uncertain whether he would regain the ability to speak.

 The weight of this diagnosis would be crushing for most people, and Mike was discouraged, but he did not allow that to stifle his determination to regain as much bodily function as possible. He was committed to get well 'for his children.' With the assistance of a team of dedicated therapists Mike overcame his right sided paralysis, learned to dress and feed himself, and to speak again. After 3 months, he walked out of the facility with the aid of a walker. His physical therapist continued to provide therapy in his home, helping Mike to walk unassisted again. Miracles do happen!

 Sadly, Mike was not successful returning to his prior work. His ability to perform complex analysis of world events had been damaged by the stroke. This, coupled with the collapse of the financial markets in 1987, prompted Mike and his fiancé, Debbie, to leave Boston for a quieter life in Fairlee, VT.

 The change from life in a city and constant travel to a life of quiet solitude was dramatic, but Mike crafted a new life for himself and his growing family. Mike and Debbie were married in 1991. In 1995, they adopted their son, Maximilian and in 1998 a second son, Scott, both from Russia. Mike returned to his Catholic faith, becoming an attendee at daily mass in Bradford, VT and turning his focus to prayer and contemplation.

 A commentary about Mike's life in Fairlee would not be complete without mentioning his daily ritual of breakfast at the Fairlee Diner and his constant complaints about the food, the prices or something else! His banter with the owner and cook was legendary and as politically incorrect as possible.

 Mike was grateful to all who provided assistance to him while he lived in Fairlee. Convenience store workers who delivered his paper and milk to him in his car, residents who held doors open for him, picked up his mail for him, or helped him after a fall. He was grateful for the support of a neighbor getting him to doctor's appointments, and especially grateful to his brother, Jim, who made frequent visits to see him.

 The pride and joy of Mike's life was always his children and grandchildren, each wonderfully unique and special. Throughout his life his priority was supporting his children in their activities, adventures, and passions. How proud he was of each and every one.

 Mike is survived by both his current wife, Debbie, and his first wife, Jeanine Brady; his brother, Jim, and his wife Debbie; his children Ben; Joe and his wife, Shen; Kate and husband Jesse; grandchildren Jacob, Kaiden, Zane and Violet.

Should you wish to remember Mike with a memorial gift, please consider a donation to your local food bank.

There will be calling hours held at Hale Funeral Home 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT, on Tuesday July 21, 2026, at 5 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd at 11:00 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bradford, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com