Philip M. Johnson, 74, of Burlington, VT formerly of Taftsville, VT died on August 19, 2014 at Fletcher Allen Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.

Philip "Phil" was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 22, 1940 to Philip E. and Catherine (Martin) Johnson.

Phil is survived by his devoted and caring wife Sara 'Sally' Dana.

Phil was predeceased by his loving wife, Carolyn Moxley Johnson. They lived for many years in the 'Taftsville Teahouse' across from the covered bridge in Taftsville, VT. In 2007 Phil retired from legal practice and he and Carolyn moved to Burlington, VT where they enjoyed life on Lake Champlain.

Phil is survived by his adoring stepchildren; Jerri Benjamin, Jennifer Brown, James Ellis and Jill Dole, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Phil also leaves his daughters, Jennifer Calder, Melissa Johnson Wilson, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Phil is also survived by his brothers-in-law Robert, Dale and Steven Moxley, their wives, children and grandchildren.

Phil was a graduate of Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, and Union University Albany Law School, in Albany NY and the National College of Trial Advocacy.

Phil practiced law in the Woodstock, VT area for more than 35 years. He had an unwavering sense of commitment and loyalty to his law clients and their concerns. During his legal practice Phil served as the acting District Court Judge in White River, Jct., VT; as a judge of the Moot Court trial and appellate competitions at the Vermont Law School. On numerous occasions Phil was appointed by the Vermont Supreme Court and litigating attorneys to serve as the Judicial Officer in binding arbitration hearings and trials.

During his years in Woodstock Phil was active in local organizations and boards. He served for many years as Woodstock Town Moderator; a member of the Woodstock Zoning Board; Village Moderator; a member of the Woodstock Town Planning Commission; a member of the Woodstock Town Finance Committee; a member of and President of the Ottuaquechee Health Center, a member and chairman of the Woodstock Union High School Board of School Directors; a member and president for the Woodstock Rotary Club; and was selected Rotarian of the Year by his fellow Rotarians and was the Recipient of a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship. He was a member of the NY & VT Bar Assoc.

Phil had a deep affection for his extended family, community, and friends. He had a sincere sense of giving back and assisting all to the best of his ability.

Phil will be missed by all and will never be forgotten.

Funeral arrangements are by Cabot Funeral Directors, Woodstock, Vermont. A service will be held Friday, August 29th at 10am at the UU Church in Woodstock, VT. Private commitment services will be held by the family at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil's memory may be made to a charity that is meaningful to you.

Phil's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the FAHC who were so kind, caring, loving and attentive to him.