JOHANN PALL JOHNSON

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• I met Johann in 1974 and we became good friends while working at Knowles Center. We would hang out at his home talking about life and the world. He was an avid re-purposer and tinkerer which were common traits. His view of the world was not shared enough by many but he wasn't particularly phased by it. I found his take on events to be driven by curiosity and his scope, immense. A good man! I will always remember his story about dating, that didn't go so well. He invited a young lady to a Bluebombers game. Got up to go to the concession and decided it wasn't for him and left. He also repeated great limericks. - Posted by: joe viscount (friend) on: Apr 05, 2018

• When we went to Winnipeg in October of 2010 to see Andrew Schulz, he introduced us to Johann and Joanne when they invited us over to dinner with him. I (Cathy) have spoken with Johann from time to time since and always enjoyed the conversation with his wit, intellect, knowledge (about the most interesting things) and the stories of how he loved being a teacher. What an awesome and amazing man. He showed us a handmade AM radio he built on a piece of wood, which he probed 2 wires to a battery to make work. He showed us his banjo (I loved that part best during that evening's events). Johann was so excited that his Gibson banjo had been made in the same city we came from. He played it for us and told us how he rebuilt the neck of it years before. It sounded fantastic. He also showed us his Matchless motorcycle, which he had assembled years before. What a beautiful black and red masterpiece of a bike. When he told us about the William McTavish, I wanted to go where it was parked. Not only to see it, but to walk onboard (it was parked in someone's driveway), stand on the deck, go into the cabin and just experience how it must have felt to be on it. One evening of great conversations and great food made it very obvious that he was meticulous with details whether he was building and/or repairing something, or teaching children with behavioral and learning problems how to do math and inspire them to read. The small amount of time we were able to visit just wasn't enough and we always wanted to return. We will return again someday (soon I hope), but one very important person will not be there next time... Johann Johnson. He left his footprints on our minds, hearts and souls. May Johann be forever remembered as a kind, caring, compassionate man with the intellect of a dozen people all wrapped up in one very dynamic man. God bless Joanne, Andrew, Marlene and Johann's family and friends. We are all much richer for knowing him. Rest In Peace Johann Pall Johnson! You are loved and missed by many. - Posted by: Everett & Cathy Mort (Kalamazoo friends) on: May 14, 2014

• I met Johann through his wife Joanne. He was an amazing person who never ran out of conversation or things to do. It was a joy to know him and he will be sadly missed. All the best to Joanne and family from Mary, Margaret, Henry and Alice. - Posted by: mary braun (friend) on: May 14, 2014

• I have never known a world that did not include Johann Johnson. Trips to his house with my Father were marked with hot chocolate with ice cream from Gudrun and as I got older and braver Ginger Beer and squeakers (curds) from the Co-OP. I learned that there is nothing more thrilling than going to a surplus scrapyard and the history that lay within them. He saw possibilities in everything (everyone) he picked up and his imagination and re-purposing things was stuff of legend. There was the Dodge, the Vauxhauls, the William McTavish and the motorcycles. I can still remember my first ride on the Atlas, I felt like we were going 100 mph, but if you know Johann well, it was probably more like 15 or 20. Then there were those legendary picks. Preceding everyone on TV, Johann found the most interesting things and brought them home. He was amazed that they shipped things in mahogany wood crates and proceeded to collect... well a lot of wood. Re-purposed into lamps and anything else he could think of. As a young boy with ADD he was the only person patient enough that could teach me fractions and everyday I use them I always think of him. The conversations about Robertson Davies, Farley Mowat, Gzowski, the CBC, Lister Sinclair, history, aviation, philosophy and motorcycles were lessons that you cannot find in any school. How many of us first read The Catcher in the Rye even before school because Johann told us to and spent time discussing Holden Caulfield for hours. I ran into him at Family Foods and we stood and talked for over an hour about life and how we all mesh into it. I never had anyone else like that in my life and I think I never will. He was a true original, a prototype, not meant for mass production. I will miss him dearly and any time I see a man in coveralls with a ruck sack I'll have to do a double take to make sure it's not him. My deepest condolences to everyone who was lucky to know him. - Posted by: Charles D'Aoust/Nickel (Friend) on: May 14, 2014

• Johann was a very thoughtful, reflective, kind and gentle person, who cared deeply for those around him and for all people in general. His interests were very broad based, ranging from global politics, world history, mathematics, religion, physics and English literature. He loved sailing on Lake Winnipeg in the William McTavish, a boat he built himself. His keen intellect, humour and wit are truly irreplaceable, and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. It was a great privilege and honour to have known you all these years Johann and I will miss our numerous "discussions" that all seemed to come down to a strong faith in humanity and a desire to strive to build a better world for all. Vertu Bless Gothi. - Posted by: Keith and Joan Kristofferson (Long time friend) on: May 13, 2014

• I had it on my to-do list to let Johann know, what a great friend he has been to me & how much he has taught me about life, living & learning. I have to wonder what he'll be doing in heaven, since there's nothing to fix up there? We've lost a great person. My condolences to all his friends & family. - Posted by: Filmer Hubble (personal friend) on: May 13, 2014