EDWARD JOHNSON

With deep sadness, the family of Ed Johnson announces his passing on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011 in his daughter Mary’s arms.
We feel fortunate to have been able to be by his side to offer him comfort these past few weeks as his health deteriorated, and are grateful for the moments he was awake and smiling at the littlest members of the family.
Ed was born June 17, 1929 to the late Eli and Katherine Johnson (nee Halvorsen).
Sixty-one years ago, on Oct. 12, 1949, Ed married Mary Ellen (Rousseau) and their love and devotion to each other was a source of inspiration to their six children, Terry, Rick (Phyl), Mary (Brent Calder), Joe (Patti), Kathy (Jim Cuthbertson), and Leeann Johnson-Mainville.
Ed cherished the time spent with his 15 grandchildren, Todd, Annissa (Mike), Matt (Kathy), Jeremy (Holly), Amanda (Shawn), Christopher, Aimee (Chris), Dawn (Boomer), Heather (Leigh), Jay (Kathryn), Ria (Todd), Katie, Tanner, Jillian, and Joleigh. Ed also was happy to be able to enjoy his 13 great-grandchildren, Carter, Griffyn, Mallory, Morgan, Eli, Michael, Nikolas, Brent, Isabella, Rebecca, Ainsley, Henry, and Reid.
Ed also is survived by his brothers, Ken (Marie), Ralph, and Rudy, and sister, Bonnie; as well as his sister-in-law, Aggie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Eli and Katherine; brothers, Jim, Lorne, and Harry; sisters, Annie and Erma; son-in-law, Bobby; parents-in-law. Delphis and Muriel Rousseau; and brothers-in-law, Jim and Bud.
Ed enjoyed living in this area, near the lakes, his entire life. He started working at age 15 at the J.A. Mathieu mill, working alongside his dad, Eli. He then worked five years for George Armstrong Co.
The next 33 years he worked at the mill as a crane operator. His expertise in this field was recognized and admired by truckers and co-workers.
When he retired from the mill, Ed learned the art of long arm quilting, and enjoyed finishing quilts and meeting quilters from near and far.
Ed’s true passion, however, was his family and time spent with special friends and co-workers. They often described him as one of the most patient, kind, hard-working, honest, and caring people they had ever known.
He will truly be missed, and we will cherish the memories and lessons he taught us by the way he lived. We are thankful for all you were to us and your quiet and loving ways.
You were simply the best!
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont., with Rev. Diane Clifford officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the “Community Chest” or the charity of your choice c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com