KJARTAN JOHNSON

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KJARTAN JOHNSON 1920 - 2016 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, Afi and Long-Afi, Kjartan Johnson on May 18, 2016, at the age of 95 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Valdina and four children: June (Ken) Kristofferson, Joan (Andre) Maguet, Alvin Johnson, and Carolin (Rob) Magnusson; grandchildren Kim (Jason) Magnusson, Kirk (Melissa) Kristofferson, Kenley Kristofferson (Brenna MacGregor); Justin (Jaime) Maguet, Eric (Carolyn) Maguet, and Brittany Maguet (Zach); Landon (Cassandra) Johnson and Ashton (Chase) Kukuchka; Destiny Magnusson (Josh) and Avery Magnusson; and nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Kjartan was predeceased by his brothers Snorri and Kris Johnson, and sister-in-law Gudny Johnson. Kjartan was born in 1920 in Arborg. After finishing school, he farmed with his father and brothers in the Framnes district. In 1950, Kjartan married Valdina (nee Jonasson). In 1953, he found his passion in retail with the opening of Johnson and Sons Arborg Ltd. under the Macleods banner. Kjartan was instilled with a determined work ethic and possessed a desire to better himself with knowledge every day. He worked tirelessly to build the business, often working from early morning to late at night. In 1969, a new 14,000 square foot store was built, and with it the partnership with Link Hardware. New product lines were added such as clothing and footwear in addition to furniture, major appliances, giftware and more. But it was Home Hardware, who merged with Link in 1981, that was closest to his heart. He loved the hardware business, always following new products and keeping an eye on the industry. All his children worked alongside him at Johnson and Sons, and we feel so fortunate that he passed on his business acumen to us. Kjartan appreciated and cared for all of our customers, staff, and friends. We had many long-term staff members that were like family to us, and he gave many people their first job in the community. He was well-known to extend credit to those who needed farm supplies, furniture, or a hand up to make ends meet; he offered personal service, day or night, and as the saying goes "If you couldn't find it at Johnson and Sons, you wouldn't find it anywhere". In July 1990, the business was sold; but retail is the lifeblood of our family. In June 1991, his children continued his legacy and opened Johnson's in Gimli. He was a daily fixture at Johnson's over the last 25 years, whether it was thoroughly enjoying a good chat with customers, doing pickups or pricing merchandise, and was well-known in Gimli for having the cleanest, driest, most perfect sidewalk in town during the winter. Kjartan and Valdina had a wonderful marriage. They were truly a team, working and playing side by side. They later moved to town and built their dream home on River Road in Arborg. We enjoyed many wonderful family gatherings there through the years. In recent years, they moved to the Waterfront Centre in Gimli, where they enjoyed a wonderful view of Lake Winnipeg. Throughout the years, Kjartan and Valdina travelled extensively and enjoyed many wonderful trips worldwide with their Home Hardware family, as well as many trips to Iceland, and road trips across Canada and the US. Kjartan was very intelligent and well-read. As a hobby, he also enjoyed playing the stock market, and was continually reading and researching companies that he was investing in. He was very forward-thinking in business, and enjoyed following politics. He was an exceptionally kind and generous man, soft-spoken with a boundless devotion to his family. He was the best husband, father, Afi and Long-Afi we could ever ask for. He had a wonderful relationship with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never too busy to listen and make them feel special. He taught most of them to drive and attended the many graduations and weddings that he was able to. Our lives are forever enriched by the lessons he lived by and passed on to us. A Celebration of Kjartan's life will be held at the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church in Arborg on Tuesday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m., with lunch to follow. Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Gimli Community Health Centre, who went above and beyond the call of duty to offer care, comfort, and dignity during his lengthy hospital stay, as well as all of the home care workers who were so kind and caring over the last few years. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Healing Garden at the Gimli Community Health Centre or the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2016