Les “Sonny” Johnson passed away peacefully on April 1, at Atikokan General Hospital with his family by his side.
He was born in International Falls, Minn., on July 31, 1946, to Lena and Ben Johnson. After his mom passed when he was 2, he was raised on Couchiching First Nation by his grandparents, Bob and Alice Adams.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1965, and served for three years. He met Gail (Morneau) in 1969, and they were together for 57 years.
He was a logger and really enjoyed his work and the friends he made after moving to Atikokan to work for Great Lakes Paper.
He was a good baseball player, playing third base for many years in Fort Frances and Atikokan. He got MVP one year after walking out of the fog after catching a fly ball.
He taught his boys the love of fishing and hunting, and to always respect the animal.
He is survived by his wife Gail; his sons Chris (Val), Stefan and Adam (Karena); and his grandchildren Matt, Brandon, Jake, Shay, Cohen, Aeden, Ryker, Amelia, and Willow, and three great-granddaughters, with Matt and Shay rarely leaving his side.
He is also survived by his siblings Phyllis, Jack (Ruby), and Jill; along with many special nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
He was predeceased by his oldest grandson Christopher, his parents, and his grandparents
As per Les’s wishes, there will be no service at this time. Donations may be made to Atikokan General Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
