Ernest V. Johnson Jr., 64, of Orange, passed away peacefully, Friday, December 5, 2025. Surrounded by his family in UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus, Worcester, following a short illness.

Born in Gardner on October 14, 1961, he was the son of the late Ernest Johnson Sr., and Gloria (Valia) and stepmother Judith (Buzzell) Johnson. He was a maintenance tech, employed by the H&R 1871 Gun Factory in Gardner for many years.

Ernest (Ern) lived in Phillipston most of his life. He was an outdoorsman, a New England sports fan, and proud father and grandfather. Riding snowmobiles at night during a snow storm was his happy place. In his later years you could find him camping in the Berkshires, fishing in the Miller's River, or driving down the dirt roads looking for new "spots" with his partner Cassandra.

He was a quiet soul who spoke with subtle wit and intent. His love for music spoke for him, it was thoughtful and reflective. He could find true meanings in lyrics and allow a song to bring back a moment in time. He would play songs on his stereo to express himself, without having to say a word you could tell his mood or thoughts. But most of all he enjoyed telling stories about childhood mischief, him, his eight siblings, and local friends would get into. The laughter that would ensue was contagious and real. It was through this laughter that his soul emerged. Over the years, he obtained many friendships that were kindled in love, kindness, and the willingness to help anyone in need of an able set of hands. Those friendships have created a much bigger family than the one that was already very big to begin with.

Ernest is survived by his loving partner Cassandra Mizhir of Orange, two sons, Josh Johnson and significant other Ryan Lawrence of Petersham, and Corey Johnson and his significant other Vanessa Boudreau of Winchendon; four grandchildren, Jack, Jase, Joe and Julia Johnson of Petersham; four brothers, Roger Johnson of Gardner, Matthew Johnson and his wife Kelly of Gardner, Jesse Johnson and his partner Tina Davis of Winchendon, and Danny Patriquin of Templeton; two sisters, Sherry Berube of Petersham and Jennifer Mosher and her partner Doug Gleason of Winchendon; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jaylin R. Johnson; two brothers, Raymond Goland, and Scott Johnson; a sister Kristen Johnson and niece Melinda Johnson.

A Celebration of Ernest's Life will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Otter River Sportsman's Club, 250 Lord Road, Templeton, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wildlands Fund c/o Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581, or on their website at (www.massfishhunt.mass.gov) or to the Massachusetts Hunter's Share the Harvest Program. Please reference in memory of Ernest V. Johnson Jr.