REX ARVID JOHNSON

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REX ARVID JOHNSON 1917 - 2006 On November 6, 2006 Rex, beloved father and grandfather, died at the Winnipeg Victoria General Hospital at the age of 89 years. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Barbara Fast (Hank) and Jennifer Lidstone (Bob); granddaughters, Kimberley Fast, Alison Elias (Rob) and Jaclyn McCaffrey; and one sister Sybil Grieve. Rex, son of Jalmer Johnson and Pearl (nee Tucker) and the oldest of seven children, was born in Calgary, Alberta April 13, 1917. As a young man he worked for the C.N.R. and Eaton's Mail Order. In 1942, he married Thelma Schmidt (1917 - 1999). After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War, Rex apprenticed as a watchmaker, working in that trade 1946 - 1956 and again from 1969 until 1987. Between those years, he supported his family as a Sales Representative for several companies. A quiet man, Rex enjoyed hobbies of stamp and coin collecting, reading, playing pool and especially lapidary. Over the years he created hundreds of beautiful pieces of silver jewellery set with semi-precious stones. In fact, the only thing he enjoyed more was giving them away. Family time was precious to Rex, especially in the latter years of his life. Friday suppers of cabbage rolls or his delicious homemade stew were a high point of the week for several years. Rex also loved to gather with neighbours in the back yard of his friend, Aubert. According to Rex's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private time of remembrance and celebration will be held with family and friends. Family would like to thank the staff of 5S, 2N and 3S of the Victoria Hospital for their care, support and compassion. Special thanks go to Dr. Jillian Horton. Friends are encouraged to make a donation in Rex's name to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, 2340 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2E8 or another charity of their choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD. WWW.THOMSONINTHEPARK.COM 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 11, 2006