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Marc Johnson, 67, of Cushing, Maine, died of a heart attack on April 8, 2014 at his home. He was born on January 5, 1947, and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathie Daniel Johnson, after 40 years of marriage. Survived by two children who are both professional musicians, Nicole Johnson of New York City, and Kirsten Johnson Shah of Philadelphia, and one grandson, Sebastian Colin Shah. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth, and his younger brother, Chris.

Marc was a cellist and a member of the world renowned Vermeer String Quartet from 1973 until 2007. The quartet performed at nearly all of the major music festivals and venues in the world, touring frequently over nearly four decades of performance. For over thirty years, the Vermeer was quartet-in-residence at the Bay Chamber Concerts Summer Music Festival in Rockport, Maine. The quartet received three Grammy nominations, the last for a recording of the six Bartók quartets in 2005.

Marc was a professor at the Northern Illinois Univeristy in Dekalb, until 2007, and a faculty member of Boston University until his untimely death. He and his wife shared a passion for gardening, and their garden was featured on the 2010 Georges River Land Trust garden tour. He cheerfully traveled across the globe to perform, teach lessons, and give masterclasses. His infectious laugh and quick wit will be sorely missed by family, friends, and his many students.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Boston University in honor of Marc Johnson. A memorial service will be held at a later date. To share memories of Marc, get information about the service or make a memorial donation go to .