Obituaries

GORDON DRUMMOND JOHNSON
May 28, 1929 – November 1, 2017
   With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Gordon Drummond Johnson, at the age of 88 years. Dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by love at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.   Dad is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Lois (nee Chase); daughter Karen (Tom) McDougall; son Bruce; grandchildren Craig (Chelsey) and Robert (Chantelle) McDougall and Rheanne Sicotte; sister-in-law Irene Johnson; brother-in-law Clifford (Joyce) Chase, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Mary (nee Smith) Johnson; sister Helen Worgan; brother Ken; and his beloved son Barry.   Born and raised in Winnipeg, Dad grew up on Home Street, and attended both Laura Secord Elementary and Gordon Bell High School. His hard-working entrepreneurial spirit was born in those formative years on Home Street. Dad had a paper route for many years, and made deliveries on his bicycle for Harmon’s Drug Store. When at the family cottage at Grand Beach, Dad and his brother Ken, provided transportation services with their wagons for cottagers arriving by train from Winnipeg. With the money he earned and saved, he was able to purchase his first car (a 1929 Model A Ford) at the age of 16, becoming a proud car owner even before his parents.   Dad began his career in the Dominican Republic, working for his uncle Joe in his importing business. Upon returning to Canada, he joined the Manitoba Power Commission, where he met his love Lois. A year later they were married, and off on an adventure to Caracus, Venezuela, where dad again worked for his uncle Joe, and where Mom and Dad both had to quickly learn Spanish.   Returning again to Canada in 1951, Dad became a salesman for Winnipeg Supply and Fuel Company, and over the course of the next several decades, worked his way up to General Manager, eventually opening up branches across western Canada. In 1973, Dad took the plunge, and started his own building materials supply company in partnership with Ron Doer and Elmer Semchyshyn, and G.D. Johnson Ltd./Johnson Construction Materials was born. Forty-four years later, the company is still going strong, with first-hire Dave Birt at the helm.   Dad’s hard work, business smarts, and excellent health allowed him to retire in his early 50’s, and for the next 30 years he enjoyed the cabin on Lake of the Woods, cruising the lake with first mates Mom, and Jack and Marilyn Gray; flying far and wide in the four-seater Cessna 172 he co-owned with flying buddies Dennis Carter and Jim Stanier, and of course lots of swimming, boating, and fishing with kids and grandkids.   In the early days, family vacations were always fun and exciting, including dude ranches in Alberta, farm vacations in Manitoba, and cabin rentals in the Whiteshell with the Lambs and Hickaways, and lake time with the Grays and Colebournes.   Dad’s love, sage advice and guidance over the years will remain with us forever.   A private family service and interment of ashes will be held, with a Celebration of Life event to be announced later in the paper.   We are grateful to Dr. Duane Hartley, The WRHA Palliative Care Team, and our Home Care helpers (especially Belle), for helping dad remain comfortably in his own home for so long. Much appreciated are the EMS team, and the compassionate staff at the Grace Hospital, who helped maintain Dad’s comfort and dignity in his last few days of life.   The family kindly asks that no flowers be sent.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
“Rest in Peace Dad. We love you. We miss you.
You will remain in our hearts forever.”
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
   Please join us as we celebrate the life of Gord on Sunday, November 26, 2017 (Grey Cup Sunday) starting at 1:30 pm at Canad Inns Fort Garry – 1824 Pembina Highway (just north of Bishop Grandin Blvd). Phone 204-261-7450.   Family and friends of Gord, Lois, their kids, and grandkids are encouraged to join us, as we share our memories, pictures, and stories of Gord. Please bring your own stories and pictures to share with all of us. Hope to see you there!!   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com