Brad Johnson

Presque Isle, Maine - Brad Johnson, of Presque Isle, passed away peacefully in Bangor, surrounded by his family, on May 1, 2026. He was born on March 18, 1956, in Presque Isle, the son of Albert and Doris Johnson.

Brad was the youngest of five children, affectionately known by many as “the baby” of the family. He grew up in Aroostook County rooted in the Johnson family legacy of farming and selling seed potatoes. A 1975 graduate of Presque Isle High School, Brad enjoyed athletics in his youth but found his true passion on the golf course.

Following high school, Brad continued the family tradition of potato farming in Parker Siding, working alongside his father. After his father’s passing, Brad carried on farming for approximately ten years before transitioning into the family’s longstanding business of buying and selling potatoes. Over the next 30 years, he became well known throughout Aroostook County as a respected potato broker.

Brad was an avid golfer and a familiar face at the Presque Isle Country Club, where he earned multiple championships, including two Spaulding Tournament victories—one of the club’s most anticipated events. He cherished the opportunity these tournaments provided to gather with friends and family.

Known for his spontaneous “rides through the county,” Brad would often invite others along to visit local farms, check on crops, and connect with fellow farmers. Those who joined him on these drives remember them fondly.

Above all, Brad was a devoted grandfather - “Grampy Brad.” He treasured time with his family, especially visits to Orrington, where he enjoyed meals, multiple cribbage games, and teaching his grandchildren how to play. He found great joy in time spent with Matt’s family in Orrington, where they were known to go for side-by-side rides and the infamous jeep ride!

Brad spent over 20 years working with Cambridge Farms of Massachusetts alongside owner Kenny Gad, a close friend who believed in him and supported his work. Brad valued that partnership deeply and remained dedicated to his work until the very end, with no intention of retiring.

He was also a longtime member of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge, where he was well known for his humor, storytelling, and larger-than-life personality. Brad had an unforgettable smile, a quick wit, and a way of bringing laughter wherever he went. He was truly the life of the room.

Brad will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow farmers, golf community, Elks Lodge family, and especially his beloved grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Doris Johnson; his sisters, Sandra Carter and Alexis Madore; and his brother, Jerry Johnson.

He is survived by his son, Matt Cronin and wife Mindy of Orrington; his sister Deborah Fogg and husband Finn; his nieces, Deidre, Meryl, and Veronica Collins; his nephews Matthew Madore, Brooks Johnson, and Kyle Johnson; and his cherished grandchildren, Calliana Honnell Cronin, Grace Cronin, and Jacob Cronin.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Fairmount Cemetery, followed by a reception at 2:00 p.m. at the Presque Isle Country Club. Family and friends are invited to attend and encouraged to bring their best stories—it may just turn into a roast, just the way Brad would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Presque Isle Country Club Junior Golf.