RALPH JOHNSON

With deep sadness, Nadine announces the passing of her father, Ralph Johnson, on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Ralph was born Jan. 23, 1938 in Barwick, Ont. to Eli and Katherine Johnson. The family moved to Fort Frances in 1946.
Ralph was united in marriage to Yvonne Abraham of International Falls, Mn. on Oct. 22, 1960.
He is survived by their daughter, Nadine; and was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne, in 1984 and infant daughter, Keri Lyn, in 1961.
Ralph also is survived by his brothers, Ken (Marie) and Rudy; sister, Bonnie Cooper (Harvey); and sisters in-law, Pat Wolden, Dolly Johnson, Mary Johnson, Phyllis Kennedy (Don), and Darlene Johnson.
He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friend, Jack Langtry.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Eli and Katherine; brothers, Harvey, Jim, Ed, and Lorne; sisters, Annie and Erma; brothers in-law, Art Legarrie and Nick Gurski; and mother- and father in-law, Alfred and Violet Abraham.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
The honorary pallbearers will be Jack Langtry, Derek Langtry, Gerald Nixon, Bill Badiuk, Neil Kabel, Mike Gurski, Mike Roach, Sharon Larocque, and Dennis Selman.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be directed to the Diabetes Association at 501-200 Syndicate Ave. S., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7E 1C9 or the Tamarac House, Health Science Foundation, 980 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 6V4.
After graduating from high school, Ralph worked for Norm Johnson Customs Broker as a bookkeeper. He then left for Thompson, Man. to work as a bookkeeper at the Thompson Town Site as the mine was being developed back in 1959.
After returning from Thompson to Fort Frances, Ralph worked briefly at Green’s Furniture. He then moved on to KDS Hardware as a manager/bookkeeper—a job he held with great pride. He helped and assisted many young couples build their first home with his knowledge and building expertise.
Ralph finished his working career at Busch’s Auto Supplies.
Ralph always will be remembered for his love of nature and the time he spent at his cabin on the lake. He was extremely fond of animals, especially dogs, horses, and wolves.
Ralph loved to joke and tease people. He also loved to tell a story about the good old days. He will be sadly missed.
Rest in Peace, dear Dad, until we meet again.