Wilfred Johnson, 89, of Gameland, Ont., passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont.
Wilf was born Feb. 23, 1920 in Blue Township, Ont. to the late August and Lilha Johnson. He enlisted in the army and after the war, he returned to the area and began logging.
Wilf met Jean Betts and they were united in marriage, settling in North Branch, Ont. for a short period, later moving to Gameland, where he remained until his passing.
Wilf later worked for the Department of Highways as a labourer and equipment operator, and the Department of Natural Resources as a foreman for Junior Rangers at Lake of the Woods Provincial Park.
His last years of work before retirement was as a school bus driver for the board of education.
Wilf enjoyed growing gardens, and doing mechanical work on his old tractors and motors. He also enjoyed playing the accordion and mouth organ for his friends at the senior gatherings.
An extremely sharp memory of the past 80-plus years was the basis of the stories he told to friends and strangers alike.
Wilf is survived by his son, Lee, of Gameland, Ont.; brothers, Roy (Jocelyn) of Winnipeg, Man. and Charlie (Ilene) of Sleeman, Ont.; sisters, Grace Proteau of Rainy River, Ont., Ruth Rogoza of Fort Frances, Ont., and Shirley (Roy) Gadd of London, Ont.; sister-in-law, Della Pollard of Eagle River, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, August and Lilha; wife, Jean; infant son, Gordon; brother, Wesley (Dolsie); and brothers-in-law, Matt Rogoza, Ed Proteau, and Eugene Pollard.
Family and friends were received Monday, March 30, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Bergland Community Hall, with Pastor Carolyn Kreger officiating.
Interment will take place in Pineridge Cemetery in North Branch at a later date.
The pallbearers were Larry Johnson, Bob Johnson, Philip Pollard, Gordon Pollard, Glen Wise, and Jack Armstrong.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.0. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
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