Alan received degrees from Amherst College, University of Michigan, and University of Minnesota.

After completing his military service, he became a professor of English literature, beginning his career in the Midwest before joining the faculty at Arizona State University in 1967 where he taught until his retirement in 1996.

Along with his teaching, he relished his trips to England where he pursued his scholarly research of Victorian literature.

After retirement, he continued to serve as a board member and legislative liaison of the Arizona State Retirees Association and enjoyed meeting with his Emeritus group where he shared his poetry and discussed issues of the day. He was known by his students, colleagues, and friends as a man of integrity and intelligence.

He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate Borgny; his three daughters and three sons-in-law; his six grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three nieces, and a nephew.

Special thanks to all the staff of Friendship Village of Tempe where he enjoyed comfort and comradery during the last years of his life.  

A private family burial will be held. 

Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.richardsonfuneralhome.org and clicking on the obituary for Alan Johnson. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to the Sierra Club at https://www.teamsierra.org/memorial/AlanJohnsonMemorial ;