Columbus, OH — Lloyd “Lucky” Johnson, 86, died March 23, 2025.
Born in Portland, Maine, on Aug. 9, 1938, he was the son of Frederick James and Mary Agnes (McCarthy).
Mr. Johnson graduated from Cheverus High School in 1956. After two years dutifully serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he met Patricia Baade. They married in 1962 and had six children, Vicki, Blaine, Lance, Heidi, Craig, and Brett.
Mr. Johnson had a long career as a harness racing announcer. He worked at racetracks in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida, but eventually ended up back in Maine at Scarborough Downs where he spent 26 years.
The self-proclaimed “Eye in the Sky” was a staunch supporter of horsemen who treated their horses well. He is well known by many as the best harness racing announcer in New England and maybe the nation. He had an energy and “flair for the dramatic” and had a way of rhythmically calling the race almost like he was singing.
After leaving the racing game he could be found running the snack bar at the Troubh Ice Arena in Portland and supporting the Portland and Deering high hockey teams. The only rule he had is that you had to have your order ready when it was your turn, or you went to the back of the line.
In his later years Mr. Johnson had three passions: Scarborough High School football, announcing the Maine Agricultural Fairs and Siesta Key vacations in April.
He became an assistant football coach at Scarborough High School in 2010. He spent 10 years on the sideline with the Red Storm, advising the coaching staff and building long lasting relationships with players.
The highlight at the Maine fairs for many Mainers was hearing him call the races again.
As he aged, Mr. Johnson began to detest Maine winters and relished trips to Florida in April. He loved the sun, the sand, and Captain Kurt’s in Siesta Key.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; children, Vicki (Greg) Leighton, Blaine (Keri-Ann), Lance (Tara Schlehuber-Johnson), Heidi, Craig (Nicole), and Brett (Amy); 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren with a fourth coming in August. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary Agnes; two older siblings, Frederick James and Janice Ruth Connors; and his beloved cocker spaniel, Willie.
Visitation will be held Friday (March 28) from 2-4 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, followed by a brief service at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.