Gary Alan Johnson, owner of The Marketing Companies who represented about a dozen Christian market vendors, died April 1. A resident of Plymouth, Minn., he was 64.

Peter Dunn, president of P. Graham Dunn, noted that for years Johnson worked the CBA show for Abbey Press and Cathedral Art. He also represented P. Graham Dunn in the Minneapolis markets.

"Gary was a go-getter and had been repping inspirational gifts for at least 31 years," Dunn said. "His passing comes as a shock to all of us that knew him. He was always one to ask first about your family, then about your business. He was personable, sincere, a man of integrity and widely respected by the many employees and reps that he had working with him over the years, by the suppliers he represented, fellow repping associations in the industry and by the stores that he called upon."

Sue Kloeck, national sales director for Abbey Press, said Johnson was a sales rep for Abbey Press for 32 years. "Gary was just a very personable and knowledgeable salesperson, and his optimism is what I remembered most," she said. "He was very infectious with his optimism, and he inspired many of us to continue to work with enthusiasm and with great intention. He was one of our best and he will be greatly missed."

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cynthia; a son, Jeffrey; a daughter, Jaime; and four siblings.