A wonderful friend, loving husband and father and one-of-a-kind human being who spent 40 years helping people find their perfect homes and spearheading innovation in the real estate world, Maury E. Johnson passed away on August 23, 2023.

Born January 24, 1951, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Maury moved to Tucson, Ariz., in the 1980s and remained there for the rest of his life.

From the earliest age, the calm and mellow young man was good at nearly everything he attempted and got immense enjoyment out of trying new things. In his youth that included motocross racing, pole vaulting and scuba diving. This love of diving followed him into adulthood where he once participated in a Guinness World Record-breaking game of underwater Monopoly.

Maury had an inherent optimism that allowed him to face new challenges with an adventurous spirit and always find joy in the journey. He was technically-minded and could figure almost anything out, from restoring car engines to remodeling houses.

Maury and his wife, Donna, had a lifelong love story. They were married in a charming little church in Lake View, N.Y., and returned 25 years later to renew their vows. The two worked side-by-side in Maury's real estate business and were inseparable.

Maury's innovative approach to real estate earned him countless sales awards and recognitions, including an article highlighting his unique home-pricing methodology in the "The Arizona Daily Star." He was also a pioneer of video (and then DVD) home tours which later became common practice in the industry.

An attentive father to his two boys (and uncle to many), Maury was a whiz at dreaming up adventures for his sons, nieces and nephews, from primitive camping in the woods to multi-state road trips to paddling canoes through the marshland. Through these unforgettable experiences, he taught them perspective, resilience and relentless positivity.

An avid volleyball player, Maury taught his sons the same love for the game. Whether sand or indoor, two man or six, he was all in. The boys will never forget precious time spent with their dad playing on the sand at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club. Maury also loved sailing with friends and family and even earned his student pilot's certificate.

Maury's kind, generous and easygoing nature endeared him to colleagues, acquaintances and strangers alike. He was always willing to lend a hand or teach a lesson, and his humble demeanor meant he would do whatever it took to get a job done.

Fellow Realtors called him a "true gentleman," and his inventive influence on the industry will forever live on.

Maury is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his sons Aaron (Becky) and Michael (Christina); grandsons Chase and Dillon; brothers Stephen W. (Judy Johnson), Timothy R. (Seda Erol) and Gregory H. (Deborah Johnson); and brother-in-law Robert P. Bucci (Paula).

He was predeceased by his father John E. (Jack) Johnson, mother Barbara Lynch Johnson and sister-in-law Deborah A. Bucci Santos (Carlos).

Maury was beloved by everyone in his life. They'll miss the sparkle in his eye, his dry wit, and his delightful company. Until we meet again, Maury, godspeed.

A festive tribute to Maury will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at one of his favorite places, the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, 4001 N. Country Club Rd., Tucson, Ariz., 85716, 520-795-6960, tucsonracquetclub.com. Food will be provided.