MANCHESTER, N.H. — Bradley Keith Johnson Sr., 59, passed away at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016.

He was born on April 11, 1957, to Gertrude Gilpatric Johnson and Alvah F. Johnson. Brad, known as “Buckwheat” to family and friends, grew up in Bridgton. Throughout his middle school and high school years, Brad could be found at Boynton’s Abattoir or Shepard’s Farm. Buckwheat had a lifetime passion for farming and trucking. He spent many years as a heavy equipment hauler for DJ Salyer. The free spirit that he was, he lived in Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Florida before moving back to New Hampshire to be closer to his family. In the last year, Brad seemed to be at home reconnecting with Don Salyer. Right up to the time of his death, Brad enjoyed escorting heavy loads, helping and hanging out in Don’s garage.

Brad was predeceased by his mother. He is survived by a daughter, Hillarie and husband, Broc Morse of Hillsborough, N.H.; a son, Bradley K. Johnson Jr. of Concord, N.H.; two granddaughters, Emilee and Leanna Morse of Hillsborough, N.H.; his companion, Sylvia Hassan of Manchester, N.H.; his father, Alvah of Bridgton; brothers, Alvah (John) Johnson and wife, Nancy, of Carrabassett Valley, Kevin Johnson and wife, Anne, of Pace, Fla., and Daniel Johnson and wife, Michelle, of Bridgton; sisters, Lorilyn Hodgkin and husband, Ron, of Bridgton, and Tamylea Guptill and husband, Terry, of Fryeburg; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street, on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.