JOHN MITCHELL JOHNSON

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JOHN MITCHELL JOHNSON

1944 - 2024

John Johnson made his entrance into this world on July 26th, 1944, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, making him the youngest in his family. His family moved to Winnipeg when John was in grade three. He went on to attend Rockwood Elementary, River Heights, Grant Park High School, and University of Winnipeg Collegiate.

John's formative years in Winnipeg were anchored in a single home on Fleet Street until he wed in 1965. His mother, a woman of formidable character, profoundly influenced John, instilling in him the virtues of patience and grace. She was instrumental in nurturing his musical talent and competitive spirit. John, a gifted pianist and competitive speed skater in his youth, remained "Johnny bo" in his mother's heart. His commitment to her care following his father's passing in 1978 was a testament to his loyal and loving character.

In 1965, John married Donna, his beloved wife of 59 years, whom he affectionately called his "bride." His devotion to her happiness was evident throughout their life together, with her presence consistently bringing joy to his face until the end of his days.



They were blessed with three children, Grant (1965), Kimberley (1969), and Jennifer (1976). Family was the cornerstone of John’s world. As his children found partners, John warmly welcomed Lisa, Scott, and Brian into the fold, treating them as his own. Yet, it was his grandchildren, Ryan, Ethan, Samantha, Benjamin, Sophia, Peter, and Anne who were the brightest lights in Papa’s life.

In his professional life, John followed in his father's footsteps, entering the insurance industry in 1965 with R.G. Cook, and later acquiring his father's brokerage in 1970. His father, Edward, worked with him for a short period before his passing in 1978. John's career was a family affair; his wife, son and both daughters also worked alongside him in the office, contributing a warm family feel at the office. He worked closely with his niece Rhonda and was supported by his sister Rooney at their second location. This collaborative family effort ensured that John's legacy continued through his son, Grant, and grandson, Ryan, marking four generations of the Johnson family in the business. John was known for his dedication and ability to build lasting relationships, often turning clients into lifelong friends. For him, work was meaningful but always secondary to living a fulfilling life. He often spoke of the "good years," he was sure to cherish the time he had and ensuring family remained his priority, from Sunday dinners to winters in Naples.

John had a lifelong passion for the thrill of the game. From his teenage years, he could hustle a pool table, and as he grew older, he excelled in golf, where a game wasn’t a game unless there was “a little side action”. St. Charles was where he felt most at home, his journey from a young caddy to a seasoned golfer who appreciated the added excitement of friendly wagers. He was involved in horse racing, adept at managing football betting pools, and would place bets on nearly anything, demonstrating not just a love for the game but a keen strategic mind and a willingness to take calculated risks. When confronted with life's challenges, John didn't leave things to chance; instead, he strategically navigated through them, leaving behind a legacy that teaches the value of facing life with determination and grace.

Despite geographical distances, John maintained close ties with his siblings - Rooney Weir (Jack), Tom Johnson (Mary), and Joy Standbrook (Grant), with Naples, Florida, serving as a special place where they shared connection.

John was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Edward, sister Rooney, brother-in-law Jack, and nieces Joanne. John's legacy will live on by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His brother Tom Johnson (Mary), sister Joy Standbrook (Grant), his brother-in-law Wes Govenlock (Gail) and wealth of nieces and nephews; Rhonda and Jan Simons, Diane and Darryl Reschke, Scott and Karen Weir, Todd and Rose Standbrook, Jill and Joe Bruns, John and Schelley Standbrook, Karen and Eric Mcleod, Wesley and Cindy Govenlock. And many great-nieces and nephews; Stewart, Laura, Stevie, Mitchell, Corey, Jessie, Peter, Luke, Rose, Emily, Grant, Grace, Brody, Taylor, and Kyle.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the caregivers at Brightwater and Deer Lodge for their compassionate care during John's struggle with Lewy body dementia. In his final days, John was surrounded by a loving support network, including his "angels" Elena, Dawn, Noelle and Malona, and friends like Henry Thiessen, Gord McNaught, Gord Yvon and Bill Knight, who filled his days with companionship and laughter.

Putting John's life into words isn't easy; if tasked with it himself, he'd probably summarize it with a rating. By his own standards, he'd award his life a top score of 10, reflecting the remarkable man we'll deeply miss.

A celebration of life will take place at St Charles Country Club, 100 Country Club Blvd, Winnipeg, MB on March 10th at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society Manitoba, https://alzheimer.mb.ca/

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

JOHN MITCHELL JOHNSON

1944 - 2024

John Johnson made his entrance into this world on July 26th, 1944, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, making him the youngest in his family. His family moved to Winnipeg when John was in grade three. He went on to attend Rockwood Elementary, River Heights, Grant Park High School, and University of Winnipeg Collegiate.
John's formative years in Winnipeg were anchored in a single home on Fleet Street until he wed in 1965. His mother, a woman of formidable character, profoundly influenced John, instilling in him the virtues of patience and grace. She was instrumental in nurturing his musical talent and competitive spirit. John, a gifted pianist and competitive speed skater in his youth, remained "Johnny bo" in his mother's heart. His commitment to her care following his father's passing in 1978 was a testament to his loyal and loving character.
In 1965, John married Donna, his beloved wife of 59 years, whom he affectionately called his "bride." His devotion to her happiness was evident throughout their life together, with her presence consistently bringing joy to his face until the end of his days.

They were blessed with three children, Grant (1965), Kimberley (1969), and Jennifer (1976). Family was the cornerstone of John’s world. As his children found partners, John warmly welcomed Lisa, Scott, and Brian into the fold, treating them as his own. Yet, it was his grandchildren, Ryan, Ethan, Samantha, Benjamin, Sophia, Peter, and Anne who were the brightest lights in Papa’s life.
In his professional life, John followed in his father's footsteps, entering the insurance industry in 1965 with R.G. Cook, and later acquiring his father's brokerage in 1970. His father, Edward, worked with him for a short period before his passing in 1978. John's career was a family affair; his wife, son and both daughters also worked alongside him in the office, contributing a warm family feel at the office. He worked closely with his niece Rhonda and was supported by his sister Rooney at their second location. This collaborative family effort ensured that John's legacy continued through his son, Grant, and grandson, Ryan, marking four generations of the Johnson family in the business. John was known for his dedication and ability to build lasting relationships, often turning clients into lifelong friends. For him, work was meaningful but always secondary to living a fulfilling life. He often spoke of the "good years," he was sure to cherish the time he had and ensuring family remained his priority, from Sunday dinners to winters in Naples.
John had a lifelong passion for the thrill of the game. From his teenage years, he could hustle a pool table, and as he grew older, he excelled in golf, where a game wasn’t a game unless there was “a little side action”. St. Charles was where he felt most at home, his journey from a young caddy to a seasoned golfer who appreciated the added excitement of friendly wagers. He was involved in horse racing, adept at managing football betting pools, and would place bets on nearly anything, demonstrating not just a love for the game but a keen strategic mind and a willingness to take calculated risks. When confronted with life's challenges, John didn't leave things to chance; instead, he strategically navigated through them, leaving behind a legacy that teaches the value of facing life with determination and grace.
Despite geographical distances, John maintained close ties with his siblings - Rooney Weir (Jack), Tom Johnson (Mary), and Joy Standbrook (Grant), with Naples, Florida, serving as a special place where they shared connection.
John was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Edward, sister Rooney, brother-in-law Jack, and nieces Joanne. John's legacy will live on by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His brother Tom Johnson (Mary), sister Joy Standbrook (Grant), his brother-in-law Wes Govenlock (Gail) and wealth of nieces and nephews; Rhonda and Jan Simons, Diane and Darryl Reschke, Scott and Karen Weir, Todd and Rose Standbrook, Jill and Joe Bruns, John and Schelley Standbrook, Karen and Eric Mcleod, Wesley and Cindy Govenlock. And many great-nieces and nephews; Stewart, Laura, Stevie, Mitchell, Corey, Jessie, Peter, Luke, Rose, Emily, Grant, Grace, Brody, Taylor, and Kyle.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the caregivers at Brightwater and Deer Lodge for their compassionate care during John's struggle with Lewy body dementia. In his final days, John was surrounded by a loving support network, including his "angels" Elena, Dawn, Noelle and Malona, and friends like Henry Thiessen, Gord McNaught, Gord Yvon and Bill Knight, who filled his days with companionship and laughter.
Putting John's life into words isn't easy; if tasked with it himself, he'd probably summarize it with a rating. By his own standards, he'd award his life a top score of 10, reflecting the remarkable man we'll deeply miss.
A celebration of life will take place at St Charles Country Club, 100 Country Club Blvd, Winnipeg, MB on March 10th at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society Manitoba, https://alzheimer.mb.ca/

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2024, Mar 02, 2024