LESLEY PAUL JOHNSON

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LESLEY PAUL JOHNSON Les passed away at home, Sunday, October 5, 2008, after a massive heart attack, due in part to his diabetes. He was born September 24, 1954 at the Women's Pavilion at the Health Sciences Centre. Les is survived by his mother Evelyn and Aunts Rose, Dot, Pat, Evelyn, Louise, Thelma, Shirley and Margaret plus tons of cousins all on his step-dad's side. He was predeceased by his step-dad Andy in 2005 and three uncles and four cousins as well as his maternal grandfather Paul and grandmother Bertha and step-grandfather William who also was very kind to Les. Les attended Ralph Brown, St John's Tech and Silver Heights Collegiate. His mother divorced his biological father in 1965 and in 1967 married Andy Johnson who was an exemplary step-dad and adopted Les as his own. The family lived on Kane Ave in Silver Heights until Andy and Ev purchased a home outside of Anola. Les worked with Andy doing industrial deliveries for Gescan and also in the Parts Division. He spent several years at Jostens and as a security guard at Autopac compounds. He had a small vending machine business going as well. He was currently working the night shift at Wal-Mart on Regent. When Andy's health deteriorated due to severe Parkinson's and at the request of his mother, he sold his home in Deer Lodge and moved to Anola to help her. Les was always willing to help and had a soft spot for the under-dog. He loved all animals and especially his mastiff Caesar . When all our dogs passed on he fed the stray cats which this summer alone included seven kittens, two females and a feral male who is now a house cat. He fed the birds and some deer by hand. His Aunt Louise, Uncle Red and cousin Jamie were especially close to Les and always ready to tease. Louise had a knack for making him blush and he enjoyed all the verbal abuse. He could be subtle in his replies and gave it back! His mother is devastated by the loss of Les and she loved him dearly. He will always be her little kiddo . Evelyn would like to thank the 911 operator, the R.C.M.P. officers Mike Chateauneuf and Wayne Goetz who arrived quickly and stayed with Ev until everything was done and Louise and Red arrived. Thanks also to the EMS (Les Baker and crew) and the other medical officer who all were there quickly to take Les. Evelyn also appreciated the kindness and assistance provided by Doug and Don Hahn of Winnipeg Funeral Transfer Services, in particular Don who later came out to clean up and went out of his way to help. Thanks also to the staff of Wal-Mart on Regent who managed to get the beautiful flowers out to Anola. They are lovely and much appreciated. Because Les couldn't stand the thought of animals being euthanized, please make donations to all the no-kill shelters such as QUAGGA, Darcy's, Winnipeg Rescue, etc. They need all the financial help they can get. One of Lesley's favourite actors was Clint Eastwood and aside from Make my Day , another of his lines stuck with us Tomorrow is promised to no one . Give someone you love (or not) a hug today don't wait to say I love you even if it's only a pet! Les was a no fuss, no muss person and had mentioned he wanted to be cremated. There will be no services or gathering and his ashes will be spread with Andy's at a later date. His mother hopes that Les and Andy are near that Rainbow Bridge with all our pets. Luv Ya, Kiddo THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2008