RANDY KARL JOHNSON

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RANDY KARL JOHNSON Born May 5, 1954 Tragically, on September 19, 2016, Randy passed away in Grand Cayman, a place he happily called home the last two years. Randy is survived by his wife Michelle Desrosiers, his children Dana (Jon) Olafson, Karli Johnson (Jason Gray), Julien Forest, and Genevieve Forest, his father Harry Johnson, sister Karen (Sean) Goodyear, and brother Doug (Judy) Johnson, as well as "the boys" Nacho and Rico. He was predeceased by his mother Rita Johnson, stepmother Mary Sawchuk, and son Christopher Johnson. Randy retired in 2010 after a fulfilling career in information technology with CBC. During that time he also provided IT support to CBC Sports in events such as diving, figure skating, and equestrian, assisted at the Pan Am Games in the Dominican Republic, and Olympics in Salt Lake City and Greece. Randy loved sports, particularly hockey. He was a proud Leafs fan, which led to much understandable ribbing. When Michelle's career took them to Grand Cayman, Randy hung up his skates and packed his golf clubs. Golfing at least four times a week, he quickly made incredible friends with the golfers and staff at North Sound Golf Club. Randy made wonderful friends everywhere he lived, yet a few places were very special to him. At the cottage on Lake Manitoba he developed lifelong friendships with the Lake People while building, renovating, enjoying happy hours and stunning sunsets. Their condo in Cabo San Lucas was a winter haven. In Cayman they settled into a condo in Windsor Village where everyone got to know and love Randy, seeing him poolside, usually saving crabs, or sipping wine on the beach and appreciating the Caribbean sunset. Randy became the go-to guy, assisting with anything, from painting, IT needs, or a ride to the airport. Randy loved his family. Although spread out geographically, he made the most of it with memorable trips to Canada (Newfoundland to British Columbia), Scotland, and Australia, to see his kids, siblings, father, nephews, and extended family. He and Michelle were also fortunate to have had Genevieve, Christopher and Karli visit them in Cayman. At the time of Randy's passing several trips were planned, including Christmas and New Years with Dana and Jon in Australia and New Zealand. An incredible celebration of Randy's life took place poolside at his home in Windsor Village on Friday, September 23 with the children and numerous Cayman friends, followed by a dedication of the sea wall at sunset to Randy's memory. A plaque on the wall now says: "Randy's Wall. Drink wine and enjoy the sunsets."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2016