HARRIS EDMUND JOHNSTON

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HARRIS EDMUND JOHNSTON Harris passed away on March 11, 2015, aged 91 years. Darin Hoffman, Funeral Director in care of arrangements. Mosaic Funeral Chapel, 1839 Inkster Blvd., (204) 275-5555 www.mosaicfunerals.ca
Publish Date: Mar 25, 2015

HARRIS EDMUND JOHNSTON June 1, 1923 - March 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that the family of Harris wish to announce his passing on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 91. Loving husband of Laurie, he is survived by his most beloved daughters, Rhonda Johnston and Brenda Lawrence (Myles), beautiful and accomplished granddaughter Jennifer (Jason), strong and mature grandson, Cordell, great-grandfather of smart and sparkling Coen and most loving stepson Mike Saniuk. He is also survived by his dearly beloved brothers and sister, Earle Johnston (Peg), Shirley McManes (Frank-D), Don Johnston (Isobel) and many nieces and nephews of whom he was so proud. He also leaves his two dogs who lay faithfully by his side until the end, Bryna and Macy. Papa Harris also leaves behind his two step grandchildren with whom he was so patient and fatherly, Talan and Sienna. He was predeceased by his parents, Luther and Annie (McConnell) Johnston, and first wife, Phyllis Johnston. He will forever live through us with his charisma, magnetic charm, most gentlemanly manner, strength and love for his family and dogs. Harris served in the RCAF from 1941 till his retirement with the rank of Captain in 1968. He served valiantly on our side of the ocean during the war years, keeping our Air Force in top performance while working on simulators. He was chosen from many ranks to represent our great country during the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Later he was stationed in Baden Baden, Germany from 1957 till the family's return to Canada in 1961. He chose Winnipeg as his home prior to retirement in order to be close to his family, who lived throughout Southern Manitoba. Harris was proud to have been born in Hamiota, Manitoba to pioneering parents who helped to give the town its prominent status. Harris enjoyed a second and third career as Personnel Manager then Marketing Manager at Metropol Security, then as Security Manager at St. Boniface General Hospital. Harris finally retired completely in 1992 at the great age of 69 and even then was too young to slow down. He owned two motorcycles and was comfortable in his black leathers. He owned a dune buggy, several boats, campers, trailers and cars. This man was always enjoying his Toys! He built two cottages which he sold then bought a third one! He hunted and fished, snowmobiled and camped. He was always wondering what was around the next corner in his life. It was always exciting to be around him as he could change his mind in a second. He was known to many as The Silver Fox. Rhonda: "I will miss your contagious laugh and smile and twinkle in your eyes. I will miss our afternoon coffees at Tim Hortons. I will miss our Winnipeg visits. I will miss our many, many phone calls. I will miss you always being there for me. I will miss you, Dad. I loved you so very much." Love Rhonda Brenda: "Dad, my love for you could not have been any greater. I think of you always and will cherish my memories of you forever." Love Brenda Jennifer: "Grandpa, it is with a heavy heart I write this, but as I look back at the years we shared I can look forward with a heart full of love and an abundance of wonderful memories. Ever since I can remember, you were a loving and kind man who loved his family. You were always so proud of everything I accomplished, no matter how big or small. Your support has always meant so much to me. As I grew up, I realized what a charismatic, generous and loved man you were. No matter who met you, they enjoyed their encounter and always remembered you. I will never forget your sense of humour and memorable sayings, your sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile. You were, and always will be, the epitome of a gentleman. You were there with me for two of my proudest moments: my wedding, and later, meeting my son. These are the things you did for me that mean the world and I will always cherish. I will carry on your love and kindness for animals, and think of you often, as so many day-to-day things will remind me of you. Thank you for loving me and sharing your life with me. I am so lucky to have had such a great relationship with you Grandpa, and your love means the world to me." Those we hold closest never leave us; they live on in the kindness they've shared and the love they brought into our lives.' "I will miss you grandpa." Love Jennifer "As I look across The River that we journeyed together, I search the shoreline looking for you and think I can see you lift your hand to wave. I know I will find you waiting for me when I reach the other side." All my love forever, Laurie. A Celebration of Harris' life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 in Winnipeg. Please contact the family for details. For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555
Publish Date: Mar 21, 2015

HARRIS EDMUND JOHNSTON June 1, 1923 - March 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that the family of Harris wish to announce his passing on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at St Boniface General Hospital at the age of 91 years. He was a loving Husband, Father, Stepfather, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Brother and Uncle. Cremation has taken place. A complete obituary will be placed in next Saturday's edition. If friends so desire in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Siloam Mission or to the Canadian Wildlife Federation in his memory. For online condolences, or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555
Publish Date: Mar 14, 2015
Publish Date: Mar 21, 2015

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2015