CHARLES MELVIN JOHNSON

Charles Melvin Johnson, 74, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont. with his family by his side.
He was born Feb. 19, 1935 in Blue Township, Ont. to August and Lilah Johnson.
He married Ilene Embury on Nov. 22, 1956 and they lived in Atikokan, Ont., where Charlie was employed at Steep Rock Mine, before moving to Blue Township to take over his parents’ farm.
Charlie and Ilene continued to farm for the next 50 years.
He also drove school bus for 38 years, and served on the township council for Blue and Dawson for many years.
As well, Charlie drove truck for the Co-op Creamery, picking up cream in the district. He also drove for Dalseg’s, hauling wild rice and fish to Winnipeg and bringing back freight.
He also was employed at Lowes Lumber for a while—he was never without a job.
The highlight of his life was a trip to Holland to see the war memorials and the country. Charlie also enjoyed music and singing very much.
He is survived by his wife, Ilene, of 53 years; his two sons, Larry Charles (Wanda) and Robert Allan (Kaylene); and eight grandchildren that he loved, Nadia, Aislinn, Hannah, Camille, Adam, Robyn, Kevin, and Charlie.
Also surviving are his brother, Roy (Jocelyn); sisters, Grace Proteau, Ruth Rogoza, and Shirley (Roy) Gadd; sisters-in-law, Mim, Ruth, and Janet; brothers-in-law, Don, Almer, Dan, Harold, and Cliff; and mother-in-law, Emily Embury.
He also will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, August and Lilah; brothers, Wilfred and Wesley; sisters-in-law, Jean, Dulcie, Shirley, Edith, and Evelyn; brothers-in-law, Adelard, Edward, and Matt; and father-in-law, William Embury.
If so desired, in memoriam donations can be made to Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River.
A memorial was held on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Bergland Hall.
At Charlie’s request, a private family burial was held at Blue Cemetery with just his two sons and wife, Ilene, attending.