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MICHAEL DENNIS JOHNSON
Born: Aug 21, 1958
Date of Passing: Dec 26, 2017
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
MICHAEL DENNIS JOHNSON Mike was never the guy who left the company of friends and family early. He was most commonly found somewhere near the grill at any given function where he took so much pride being a part of bringing people together. On the evening of December 26, 2017, Michael Dennis Johnson departed sooner than he would have liked at the age of 59 surrounded by loved ones following a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer. He was born August 21, 1958, and raised along with his younger siblings, Robert and Heather in Winnipeg by his parents, Jeannette Dorene (nee Harrow), and Dennis Ralph Johnson. In 1994 Dennis married Liisa Nygard who loved Mike dearly as one of her own. In his youth, he might have been found pursuing his fascination with flight as he obtained his pilot license, spending time outdoors hunting or skiing with his brother and sister, or folding pizza boxes at the family's first take-out pizza location which would eventually grow into D-Jay's Restaurant and Ichabod's Lounge and Patio. He retired from D-Jay's after nearly 30 years as the Chef 'making the magic happen' in the kitchen. In 1982 Michael welcomed the first of two sons into the world, Christopher Michael (Amber) followed closely by his second son Scott Clarke (Kelly) less than a year later. He really shined as a father during summer holidays with the kids at the family cottage in Sandy Hook. He loved teaching his son's survival skills including making bow and arrows, navigation by the stars, and most importantly, how to select and fashion a wiener stick from a nearby willow. He is leaving behind his loving wife of 17 years Chantal Marie Johnson (Chilton). Mike and Chantal shared a zest for living, laughing, and loving. The two often lit up the dance floor as they two-stepped the night away. They took this sense of adventure with them as they enjoyed travels to Mexico and the Bahamas. He will be sadly missed by his in-laws, Evelyn and Len as well as the Chilton family. His five grandchildren, Chloe and Mavrick (and mother Jen), Evelyn, Autumn, Charlie Mae along with his niece and nephew Justin and Julia held a special place in his heart. In his role as an 'Afi' he could never turn down an ice cream run, would always have sparklers ready for the campfire, and loved keeping up traditions like watching the Icelandic Parade in Gimli. The family cannot express enough thanks for the care and support shown by the staff at HSC, particularly the GA-3 Step Down and SICU units. On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, friends and family are welcome to gather as he is laid to rest at the Brookside Cemetery at 3001 Notre Dame at 1:00 pm. A celebration of Michael's life will follow at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or the Manitoba Mood Disorders Association would be received with much love. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2017
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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The memory of making French Onion Soup and Chocolate Chip Cheesecake comes to mind when I think of Mike. I remember working at D-Jays in my at a kitchen steward and Mike was the kitchen manager. It was always a fun environment with him. Always laughing and I can just remember him making a fresh batch of french onion soup. To this day it is the best french onion soup I have ever had. I remember when I ordered that with cheese toast and honey garlic sauce the look on his face was priceless and he just rolled his eyes and he like "whatever make you happy" just jokingly. Also when he made chocolate chip cheesecakes that was always a good day to be working. I will miss him dearly. Chantal on behalf of the Kaminsky family I want to offer my condelences and I was shocked of his passing, The memories of you and Mike being like second parents to me I'll cherish forever. - Posted by: Kimberly Kaminsky () on: Feb 15, 2018
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I'm so sorry Chantal. I'm so grateful for the time I spent with you both at Ichabods. You both always made me feel at home and always made me feel like family. Thank you Mike. You're already missed. - Posted by: Derek Schmidt (Friend) on: Jan 30, 2018
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Another piece of my life has disappeared as my long time but never forgotten friend Mike "slips away" from my early Rita Street memories from where I first met him and the great Johnston Family. Mike was a great great friend in my early school years playing in the Silver Heights Band with him. I'm sure the Johnston Family will never forget my racing of my motorcycle down the street peaking loudly as i passed by Mikes parents house. I was probally one of the first customers at the original D Jays Pizza which used to be located south of the old Silver Heights Collegiate in the Mall. Even after moving to Regina Sk. in 1978, when ever I returned home, one of my first pitstops was D Jays for a ham and pineapple pizza or a great medium rare steak cooked to perfection. Mike always had a great smile and time to visit and I always felt like a I had a third brother with him laughing loudly with his jokes. I only hope he finds the peace and comfort in heaven that he deserves after all the long hard days and many late nights. I'm very sad for his family along with his brother Robert and sister Heather. The Korzenowsky Family (Don, Ron, Karen and Sharon) is thinking about you all. God Bless - Posted by: Don Korzenowsky (Family and long time school friend) on: Jan 25, 2018
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I was shocked to hear of Mike's passing. I have known him since the Ainslie St location where I would wait for my papers to get delivered and would have a pizza while I waited. Mike would take a small and shave an inch or two off and sell it to me for $1. It became the 'little rounder' when they moved to the Westwood location. I had a pizza probably 5 days a week for three years! I went to school with Mike from grades 7-10 and he was a lot of fun and a really solid guy, both in spirit and size. Mike was heavier in those days and very tough to move off his feet in sports! I live in Toronto now and when I would visit Wpg. I used to like to run into D'jays, grab a pizza to go and chat with Mike through the window into the kitchen. The world is a sadder place without Mike in it. - Posted by: Donald MacDonald (Friend from school) on: Jan 24, 2018
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So sorry to hear of your loss Chantal. My heart aches for you. May the arms of the world hold you and comfort you through the seemingly dark days ahead. Hold on to the love and memories forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Danielle Dupuis (Cousin) on: Jan 08, 2018
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CHANTAL I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Michael. You were such a special couple & you put up with the antics & fun during the many BBQ's @ Sandy Hook. How many SPECIAL memories you you must have!i HUGE hugs to you, Chantal Pat Allenby - Posted by: PAT ALLENBY (FRIEND) on: Jan 06, 2018
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CHANTAL I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Michael. You were such a special couple & you put up with the antics & fun during the many BBQ's @ Sandy Hook. How many SPECIAL memories you you must have! HUGE hugs to you, Chantal Pat Allenby - Posted by: PAT ALLENBY (FRIEND) on: Jan 06, 2018
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We are very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. God bless. - Posted by: Nancy and Jill Douglas (Aqaintances) on: Jan 06, 2018
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Chantal please know my thoughts are with you at this time of loss for you and the family. Sending you a big hug and look forward to doing so in person. Love you! - Posted by: Lise Léveillé (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2017
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Bob and I had many a great meal at D'Jays when Mike was cooking and Bob would always ask the waitress waiting on us to make sure Mike knew who he was cooking the steak for and it always came out perfect. Also when we were at the restaurant Mike was always very hospitable and would always come out to make sure we we happy with our meal and ask about things in general. He was a great guy, a great host and will be missed by many. - Posted by: Irene Malone (Family Friend) on: Dec 30, 2017
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I am so sorry for your loss Robert and Heather, I remember Michael when I was employed by your family when you opened Ichabods. We had many good laughs together. He was a great guy and i am so sad for your family. - Posted by: Debbie reuther () on: Dec 30, 2017
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Mike was definitely one of the "good guys" that we have known for many years. The Johnson family has been a long time friendship which we will always treasure. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time, we will all miss Mike so much. - Posted by: Wayne and Linda Gerrard (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2017
