CARL JOHNSTON

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CARL JOHNSTON January 15, 1942 - June 2, 2007 With deep sorrow and loss, we sadly announce the passing of a husband, dad, brother, papa, uncle and friend Carl Johnston of Pine Dock, MB. Remaining to forever cherish Carl's memory are his loving wife and best friend, Marge; children, Karen, Dwayne (Laurie) and Edwin (Julie); his grandchildren, whom he loved and adored with all of his heart, Trent, Carly, Dominic, Dakota, Leanne, Shayne and Bryson; brothers, Edgar and Louis (Joan); sisters, Millie (Frank), Vangie (Cliff), Pearl, Shadie and Laverne (Eugene); cousin Allan, who he thought of as a brother; numerous nieces and nephews and so many special friends, all of whose friendships he cherished. Carl was predeceased by his parents Alphonse and Eva; as well as his brother Bobby. Born at Birch Point January 15, 1942, Carl was raised in Fisher Bay, later moving to Matheson Island, then to Winnipeg where he met Marge, the love of his life, in 1967. They settled in Pine Dock in 1970 where they raised their family and lived a very happy life. Carl was a mate for Marine Transport on Lake Winnipeg for many years and also volunteered on the Pine Dock Community Council for 14 years. He especially enjoyed attending the NACC conferences and the talent show that took place, sometimes bringing home a trophy for his singing. Growing up, Carl was very fond of horse back riding with his sister Pearl, and was just telling the kids about the many times he and Louis used to borrow his family's dog team to go joyriding. Carl sang and played guitar in the band The Darkies at many dances in Pine Dock. He was a commercial fisherman on Lake Winnipeg for many years until recently retiring, but not before passing along his knowledge and hard work ethic to Dwayne. A thoughtful and caring man, Carl would always help anyone in need. So selfless and giving, he would give you the shirt off his back or anything that would help you out. He truly had a heart of gold. Known for his strong sauger-squeezing handshake, Carl enjoyed many things in life, including eating smoked fish, sitting on the deck at Biscuit Harbour, having a double and swapping stories with the fisherman and pilots, watching hockey - especially when his grandsons (his BooBoos as he lovingly nicknamed them) were on the ice, or spending time with his girlsie Carly and his bruiser Bryson. Carl loved to play the guitar and sing songs and especially enjoyed singing with his wife Marge. Music was a big part of Carl's life, and he always enjoyed any time he could spend sharing that with his family and friends. Whether it was singing and playing guitar with friends, his brothers and sisters or Karen and Dwayne or listening to his grandkids playing the fiddle, Carl was always happy to be enjoying the music with his loved ones. Carl's grandchildren were the joys of his life, and he was always sure to tell his children to make sure you feed those grandkids. You could always find one of them at Papa and Nanny's having a bowl of cereal. He was so very proud of all the grandchildren when they learned to play the fiddle. Listening to them at the school concerts usually brought tears to his eyes. Some of his favourite sayings to them were, eat, my baby, eat, just a minute, now, and you know Papa loves you. At Carl's request cremation has taken place. Wake service will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at Peguis Church at 7:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007, at the Pine Dock Community Hall at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Fred Peters and Pastor John Klassen officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Dock Cemetery. The urn bearers will be Carl's grandchildren. The family would like to thank the hospital staff at Gimli Community Health Centre for their care for Carl, and to all the family and friends for their visits, cards, kind words and good thoughts. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society as Carl had many family and friends whose lives were touched by cancer. Gilbart Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2007