RENSSELAERVILLE — Arthur M. Johnsen III, a wildlife biologist, died on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at Licking Memorial Hospital in Ohio. He was 69.

Mr. Johnsen was born on Sept. 3, 1945, in Newton, New Jersey, to Arthur M. Johnsen and the late Janice (née Larson) Johnsen.

Known to friends and family as Art, he was a certified wildlife biologist. He began his career as a wetlands habitat specialist in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bureau of Wildlife.

He later worked in the management systems unit and became the supervisor of the communications unit.

In the latter part of his career, Mr. Johnsen served as the regional wildlife manager for DEC Region 4, overseeing the Capital Region.

He was also active in the Wildlife Society, the professional organization for wildlife biologists and technicians, and held a variety of posts at the state-chapter and northeast-section levels.

“Art was especially passionate about promoting conservation efforts in his community as well as helping formulate environmental solutions,” wrote his family in a tribute.

Mr. Johnsen also served on the planning board for the town of Rensselaerville and was a member of the Rensselaerville Historical Society and the Organization of Wildlife Planners.

He had a love for birding, camping, hiking, and canoeing the lakes in the Adirondacks.

“He enjoyed spending time on his tractor and tending to his upstate New York property, when he was buried the mud, losing his brakes and being pulled out of his pond, or wrapping him and his tractor around a tree,” wrote his family.

His wife, Janet Johnsen, said he was “very easygoing and made everybody feel comfortable.”

She said a family friend called him a “classy, smart, funny, and beautiful man” who was famous for his barbecued chicken at cookouts.

Even when he was confined to a wheelchair, he never lost his zest for life.

“Although we lived in Ohio, Art always thought of Rensselaerville as his home,” said his wife.

****

Mr. Johnsen is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Janet S. (Needs) Johnsen; his father, Arthur M. Johnsen Jr, and his wife, Sue; his sister Barbara Olsen; his brother, John H. Johnsen, and his wife, Heather; his sister-in-law, Diane Moore, and her husband, Phil; his nieces and nephews, Kristen Rossi, and her husband, Paul, Erick Olsen, and his wife, Dawn, Maggie L. Canniff, and her husband, Andy, Nora Johnsen, Charlie Johnsen, Heather Nutter, and her husband, Allen, and Brian Moore; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Addie, Andrew, Evan, Matthew, and Bransen; and a host of friends.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Mr. Johnsen’s life was held at his home in Hebron, Ohio on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Arrangements were by the Hoskinson Funeral Home in Hebron, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Road, Albany, 12205.

— Anne Hayden Harwood​