JOHN JOHNSON

Surrounded by family, our father, husband, and friend John Johnson passed away peacefully on the evening of April 5, 2024.

John is survived by his beloved wife Lorraine: sons David (Shauna), Kevin (Cindy), and Trevor; brothers David, and Paul (Sharon); sisters Rhoda, Sharon (Dale), Elizabeth (Pic), and Linda (Roy); sister-in-law Grace; grandchildren Julia, Claire, Haley, and Ryan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Oli and Catherine, sisters, Trudy, Christine, Anne, and Elaine, and brother Ken.

John Johnson was born in Gladstone, Manitoba January 8, 1942 to parents Oli and Catherine Johnson. John was the 6th child among twelve siblings and was raised on a small farm in Amaranth, Manitoba. John spent his school years on the farm and then, in his mid-teens, moved to the big city (Winnipeg) to stay with his older sisters... and to eventually make a life for himself. 

During that time John met and courted a young nurse working at the Grace Hospital named Lorraine Meisner. Following a brief courtship, and both being the tender age of twenty-two, John and Lorraine were married on June 6, 1964. Being young and enterprising John began work with the Toronto Dominion Bank and moved his bride to Thunder Bay Ontario where shortly thereafter their first son David would be born on May 5, 1965 (eleven months following their wedding day - the math is good). John continued his work with the bank and transferred between a handful of cities in Ontario including Marathon, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Sioux St Marie.  Lorraine would give birth to their second son Kevin in Marathon on March 3, 1968 and third son Trevor back in Thunder Bay on October 21, 1969.  

Done with Ontario (and child bearing) John and Lorraine returned with their three sons to Winnipeg in 1974 for John to pursue an employment opportunity with the Industrial Development Bank. John would continue to explore a number of career paths while raising a family in Winnipeg over the years that followed, including Northern diamond-drilling; real estate; computer sales/programming; and eventually a government position with the Department of Agriculture (Federal Government). Even there, John's restless nature was revealed as he tested out a handful of positions before settling on a post he thoroughly enjoyed, assisting Manitoba farmers apply for and receive government aid. He eventually retired from his government position at the age of 66 years.

John was a church-goer and a man of faith. He was an avid reader and his library was filled with books on theology and biblical historical events. John was always thrilled to receive a gift certificate from Hull's Christian Bookstore as a present for any special occasion…

John will always be remembered for his quick wit and ability to make people laugh… He was the master of puns and wordplay, as well as an incredible joke and story-teller. No one could tell a joke like he could. He had the ability (and tendency) to tell the same jokes time and again, and somehow still make them funny. He maintained his sense of humour into his final years, and even with his memory noticeably fading, at times could deliver an unexpected and quick-witted remark that would surprise visitors and family.

John loved his family and will be sadly missed and remembered forever by those closest to him.

A small family gathering was held on April 7th, 2024 to honour and celebrate John's life.

John’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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