1998 – 2016

AUBURN — Zachary Thomas Johnson, 18, of Auburn received his angel wings on Tuesday, June 21, with his loving family by his side. Zach’s motto during his 3 years battle with cancer was “ZACH STRONG.” Zach certainly lived everyday as it would be his last. He taught everyone about strength and true courage.

Zach came into this world on Jan. 5, 1998, the proud son of Aaron and Stephanie Gagnon Johnson.

Zach attended Auburn schools graduating just two weeks ago with the Class of 2016 at Edward Little High School where he was a member of the marching band. Zach even arranged a wheel chair transport to take him to his graduating ceremony, and he came in with a bang with Auburn Police Department providing an escort. Zach loved being involved with the law enforcement community.

His life goal was to follow his Uncle Kevin’s footsteps to become a Portland Police Officer. Just a few months ago, Zach was made an honorary member of the Portland Police Department with Chief Shauschuck presiding. Zach was so proud of this honor, and when the ceremony hit Facebook it went viral. It was a day that Zach would remember. Another goal that Zach had was to be a state of Maine game warden. He definitely had a love for the outdoors. Another achievement during Zach’s illness was he participated in the “Dempsey Challenge.” Zach’s uncle, Kevin and his aunt, Miriam, had the privilege to take him to Washington, D.C., where he was able to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery during “Wreaths Across America event.”

Zach was very active in Cub Scouts with Pack 111, and then crossed over to become a Boy Scout with Troop 111 and 121. He achieved the rank of First Class. Zach was looked up to by his fellow scouts as a mentor and teacher. He took great pride in helping others achieve their goals.

Zach was recently honored at a fund raising event that took place at the Italian Heritage Center where over 500 people attended this special event. The highlight of the evening was Zach with his loud voice having the honor to introduce with excitement Bob Marley. Zach was smiling ear to ear.

Besides his parents of Auburn, he leaves his brother, Martin Johnson, his sister, Megan Johnson, both of Auburn; paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Ann Johnson of Scarborough; maternal grandparents, Roger and Jeannette Gagnon of Topsham; uncles and aunts, Jeff and Roxanne Gagnon, Kevin and Miriam Haley, Timothy and Shannon Johnson; and his four cousins, Emily Haley, William Haley, Wyatt Johnson and Natalie Johnson.

Zach’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the medical staff at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital for their support and care during Zach’s hospitalization, and to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Also special thanks to Chief Shauschuck and the members of the Portland Police Department for bringing Zach into their family.

For further information and to send a tribute in Zach’s memory please visit www.jonerichandhutchins.com.