Dr. William “Bill” Johnson
William Michael Johnson, M.D., 85, passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. He grew up in Saranac Lake. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, physician and public health advocate, Bill was known for his kindness, curiosity and strong moral compass.
Bill was born on Nov. 20, 1940, in Olean, New York to Loren Edward Johnson and Anna Elizabeth Van Dyke. He earned his B.A. in Economics, M.D. from Stanford and a Master of Public Health and a Master of Industrial Health from Harvard. Board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, occupational medicine and preventive medicine, his career spanned clinical care, research, teaching and federal service.
Bill enjoyed traveling, politics, genealogy, trains and eating out. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marlene; children, Michael, Susan, Amy and Linda; and grandchildren, Luke, Kate and Mia. Condolences may be made online at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.