SIGMAR EYFORD JOHNSON

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SIGMAR EYFORD JOHNSON On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, with a bitter wind chill outside, Sig passed away in comfort and warmth at Deer Lodge Centre, with his family by his side. Dad was born on May 12, 1922 in Piney, Manitoba to John and Olina Johnson. The eldest of eight children, he hitch hiked to Winnipeg and joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (the Little Black Devils) in April of 1940. He went overseas in 1941 and fought at the Battle of Normandy. He was in the first wave that landed at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944 and was captured June 8, 1944. He was a Prisoner of War in Germany until 1945 and returned to Canada in July of the same year. Sig joined the Winnipeg Fire Department in June of 1946 and retired in 1984 as Deputy Chief of Operations, after 38 years of faithful service. He married Laura Payea on July 12, 1947 and they celebrated their 60th anniversary last summer. With the gifts of intelligence, commitment and a dedicated work ethic, he raised his family. He passed on values to his children and grandchildren through the power of example. Sigmar is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Laura, son Bruce (Grace), daughter Maureen (Jim), daughter-in-law Vivian, grandchildren Chris, Jo (Shelley), Katie and Thomas, great-grandchildren Morgan, Hayley and Joshua, sisters Valdine and Rosemary, brother Carl. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Laura, Sigga, Margaret and brother Harold. Dedicated, supportive, caring. These three words describe the staff on T-6 at Deer Lodge Centre, who have been caregivers to all of us. Also, special thanks to T.A.C.T., a very special unit. We would also like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Mark Young, George Smith and the Fire Department Family for being there when we needed them. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 2 at the Salvation Army Church located on 324 Logan Avenue and Lizzie Street with entrance on Lizzie Street. Flowers are respectfully declined. As per Dad's wishes, donations can be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund Inc., 303-83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4J9. He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us that we need his like again. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2008