ALBERT EDWARD JOHNSON

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ALBERT EDWARD JOHNSON It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Al Johnson on October 5, 2013 at Gimli Community Health Centre at the age of 86 years with family by his side. Al was born June 9, 1927 in Winnipeg and raised in a family of five boys and one girl. In 1944, following in his three older brother's footsteps, Al journeyed to Montreal to enlist in the Armed Forces but was turned down because of his age. Not to be deterred he enlisted in the Merchant Navy and served until 1949. During this time he travelled the world serving on ships that served North and South Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. He later served in the Canadian Armed Forces Artillery Reserve from 1951 to 1971. After leaving the Navy Al returned to Winnipeg and began a career at the Bank of Nova Scotia before moving on to the Manitoba Telephone System where he worked for nearly 40 years. Upon retirement Al made the family cottage in Gimli his permanent residence. Never one to be idle for long, Al began new endeavours, serving as Gimli's Harbourmaster for 10 years and was the Director for District 8 of the Auxiliary Coast Guard for a span of 20 years. Some of his proud accomplishments during this time were having gas pumps installed at the harbour, Committee Chairman for the Icelandic Museum and having a hand in securing the relocation of the Avocet Coast Guard Ship from Selkirk to Gimli harbour. Many of Al's diverse interests and hobbies were closely tied to his love of the outdoors and included working on and around the cottage, gardening, hunting and fishing. Al spent many happy seasons with the "Hunting Club" up at the cottage chasing waterfowl and upland game. Other interests included woodworking, carpentry and model ship building to name just a few. Al was also a voracious reader and had an eclectic collection of books and magazines. Al will be forever loved and remembered by his long time companion Judy Marks. Also left to cherish his memory are his four children, Marnie Anderson, Jim (Janet) Johnson, Dave (Karen) Johnson, Nancy (Rick) Bornn, eight grandchildren, Jeff (Corina) Anderson and Devon Anderson, Wesley and Kurtis Johnson, Nicole (Jeff) Kosmynka and Malaina Johnson, Alyssa and Matthew Bornn and two great- grandchildren, Maia Anderson and Delia Kosmynka. Al will also be missed by Les Marks and Stacey Wiles. Al was predeceased by his special little friend McKenzie Wiles. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nursing staff at Gimli Community Health Centre. In honouring Al's wishes cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Al's remains will be interred in Gimli at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Suite 200, 2 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2013