VALDIMAR FRANKLIN JOHNSON

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VALDIMAR FRANKLIN JOHNSON December 29, 1932 - November 14, 2015 Peacefully, on November 14, 2015 at the Arborg Personal Care Home, Valdimar Franklin Johnson, aged 82, of Riverton, Manitoba, passed away, beloved Husband, Dad, Afi, Brother and Friend. Left to cherish his memories are his wife Sigga Johnson and their children, Valdimar (Alison), Warren, Chad (Lori), Nielle Wasylowski (Garry), Neals (Shelley) and Jennifer Lamont (Rob); grandchildren, Tristan, Elysha, Jenna-Marie (and their father Joel Roberecki), Justine (Sam), Trevor, Brad, Christine, Scott, Jennifer Ashley, Lauryn (Monty), Keenan, Bryden, Felicia (Stewart), Brent, Erik, Sara, Melanie and Avery; great-grandchildren, Mason and Jake. Valdi is also survived by his brother Roy (Pat); sisters, Fjola (Stan), Loa and Bene (Fridjon); sisters-in-law, Rikka MacGregor (Brian) and Hulda Johnson; brother-in-law Larus Palson and numerous nieces and nephews. Valdi was predeceased by his parents, Valdi and Runa Johnson and in-laws, Fred and Loa Martin; sisters, Inga and Margaret; brothers, Kris, Sigmar, Norman and brothers in infancy, John and Wallace; sisters-in-law, Ruth, Gay and Gudlaug; brothers-in-law, Richard and Steini. Valdi was born in Riverton, Manitoba on December 29, 1932. Valdi and Sigga were married November 3, 1956 and just celebrated 59 wonderful years together. Valdi, the son of a pioneer, was a true leader and entrepreneur. His early passion was the timber business, where he was challenged daily with extreme conditions. In the remote areas north and east of Riverton, he enjoyed flying over woodlots in search of the best timber. Finding the best timber was the first step - getting it out was never easy, and that's where he used his expertise in building roads through the forest, across running creeks and bogs to get it out. From there, Johnson Lumber was born, and working alongside his brothers Roy and Norman, they sold incredible volumes of top quality lumber across Manitoba, and beyond. Another passion was his farm, where he included his children, nephews and neighbourhood children in all farming responsibilities. Many precious memories were made during these times in the hay fields. He truly loved having people around him, teaching and mentoring along the way. Together Valdi and Chad expanded the farm and ran a successful cattle operation for 40 years. Valdi farmed right until his health did not permit him to do so. He never did retire. He spent hours bonding with his children. He was very proud that all his kids developed a strong work ethic, which was instilled in them at a young age. Dad enjoyed dancing the night away with Mom at numerous dances, where Johnny and His Musical Mates and Fine Country Folk played. Dad also enjoyed wrestling matches with his boys, a true instigator, and then he would walk away when things got intense and poor Mom would have to deal with the aftermath. On Saturday nights, "Hockey Night in Canada" was sure to be on because Dad was a true Toronto Maple Leaf fan. He even had the kids convinced he played with the Leafs. Dad also enjoyed other sports, and took a keen interest in boxing and would often get together with Randy Ross to watch together. Dad loved auction sales, reading numerous farm newspapers, he enjoyed phone calls, was always up on world events, and visiting with neighbours and friends. Grandchildren played a very special part in his life. He loved to give them sugar and butter and sit them on the kitchen table when they were babies, and you would hear Amma softly scold him. He was a caring, generous, gentle, hard-working man and would love to welcome people into his home. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Love you Dad, you are at rest doing what you love best "driving that big red tractor in the sky". Pallbearers will be Valdi's sons, Valdimar, Warren, Chad, Neals; special family friends, David Vidalin and Brian Johannesson. Honorary pallbearers will be daughters, Nielle and Jennifer; sons-in-law, Garry and Rob; daughters-in-law, Lori, Shelley and Alison. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. J.P Donnelly, Pat Barkman, all staff at Arborg and District Health Centre and Riverton Home Care workers. A family service and interment will be held prior. Community Memorial Service will be held at the Riverton Hall, Monday, November 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Mona Josephson and Menno Friesen officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, they can make a donation in Valdimar's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba. Goda Nott Elskan. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Nov 21, 2015

VALDIMAR (VALDI) FRANKLIN JOHNSON Peacefully, on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at the Arborg Personal Care Home, Valdimar (Valdi) Johnson, aged 82 years, of Riverton, MB, beloved husband of Sigridur (Sigga), passed away. Full obituary to follow in Saturday's edition of the Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in charge of arrangements.
Publish Date: Nov 17, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2015