KENNEBUNK — William Isaiah Johnson, 73, “Bill” to all who knew him, a resident of Kennebunk and well-known auctioneer and keeper of historical artifacts, died suddenly Saturday evening doing what he loved best, attending an auction.

Bill was born Oct. 2, 1940 in South Berwick, the son of Emerson Johnson and Ethel Boston Johnson Irving, and was a graduate of Berwick Academy.

After graduating, he returned to work on his family’s dairy farm, before striking out on his own, moving to Boston, where he learned piano tuning. While practicing that trade, he began to buy and sell antiques in the New England area.

In 1976, he returned to Maine and bought Barnard’s Tavern on Route 1 in Kennebunk. In 1977, he got married, and his wife, Dr. Jo Johnson, started her practice of ophthalmology in the tavern.

In the early 1980s, they purchased the former Libby Tea Room in Wells, where he held auctions, and Jo moved her practice there as well. All the while, Bill purchased old historic buildings in danger of being demolished, and moved them to the property, creating what is now the Johnson Hall Museum.

Over the years, Bill received acknowledgement of his work, including Yankee Magazine proclaiming him the “The Keeper” for his extensive collecting habit. Most recently, he was visited by the TV show “American Pickers” in 2011, where the show’s hosts found it a challenging proposition to pry any of Bill’s treasures away from him.

In recent years, Bill loved to give tours of the museum, calling it a “show and tell.” He had an amazing memory and knowledge about his antiques and people enjoyed listening to him. People have come to the museum from across the country and around the world.

He was also known for the kindness he showed to friends and strangers alike. He was a sentimental man, and loved his wife and son.

Survivors include: his wife, Dr. Jo (Rosen) Johnson of Kennebunk; a son, Andrew William Johnson of Vienna, Austria; and a wide circle of friends.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Johnson Historical Museum, Route 1, Wells. Interment will be in the Johnson Family Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.

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