Theodore C. Johanson

Theodore C. Johanson died on June 5, 2015 on Vinalhaven, Maine. Ted was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on October 24, 1937 to Helmer C. Johanson and Ernestine Haines. He grew up with his sister, Patricia in Swampscott, MA. He loved life on the ocean, and was hauling lobster traps at a young age. Ted attended Kimball Union Academy, Dartmouth College, and Harvard Business School. He was a man of strong principle who credited his childhood, education, and time spent in U.S. Army service as equal influences in creating his outlook and values.

Ted continued the family shoemaking tradition when he moved to Maine in 1963 to start his own company, Falcon Shoe Manufacturing Co. His strategic leadership kept Falcon ahead of the challenges of world market pressures and fashion trends by using technology, innovation, and hard work to continually move the company forward. Ted wholeheartedly believed that a successful business should work for everyone. His guiding philosophy was that an ethical business should not only be financially viable; it must also appreciate the high value and worth of its employees, and actively support the community of which it is a part. For over 30 years, Ted’s leadership stayed true to these core values, evidenced in his development of employee stock ownership, continuing education and wellness programs, and his continual and positive force in the greater Lewiston-Auburn community.

When Ted retired to Vinalhaven in 1999, he brought these same principles with him, and generously shared his financial and managerial wisdom with many others, including the Island Community Medical Center and Vinalhaven Fishermen’s Co-op. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Vinalhaven island community whether it be working in the fish plant, sweeping Harbor Wharf, or just chatting with folks on the street. Ted felt most satisfied when he could use his intellect and experience to tackle local challenges and to build a stronger community. He often said “you touch the lives you can”. He believed this earnestly, and his generosity and sincerity were felt by all who knew him, whether through a life-long relationship or a single conversation. 

Ted is survived by his wife, Patricia Lundholm; his children, Marcy Voelker, Todd Johanson, and Erika Edwards; their spouses Craig Voelker, Diane Johanson, and Casey Dunn; and his grandchildren, Alina, Tess, Reed, Lucy, Cole, and Henry.

Ted’s reach was vast, and he loved and was loved by many people. The few words here cannot encompass the greatness of his spirit.