Maine radio newsman Johnson dies

PORTLAND – Dick Johnson, a veteran radio newsman and a member of the Maine Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 69.

Johnson, who worked for nearly 40 years as a radio anchor and reporter at WGAN AM, died Wednesday night from complications stemming from a heart attack he suffered in January, said Jeffery Wade, news and program director.

Johnson covered nearly every major news event in Maine during his tenure at the radio station, Wade said.

Cary Pahigian, president and general manager of Portland Radio Group, was Johnson’s manager at WGAN in the early 1980s and has remained friends with him.

“Dick was truly a legendary figure in Maine broadcasting. He was an outstanding reporter, a tireless worker, and a friend to all, with a down to earth personality devoid of any ego. Everyone adored Dick. WGAN News has lost its heart and soul,” Pahigian said.

Johnson was inducted into the MAB Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in 2003. He is survived by three sons and several grandchildren.