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BRIAN KENNETH JOHNSTON
Born: Jan 07, 1936
Date of Passing: Feb 26, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRIAN KENNETH JOHNSTON January 7, 1936 - February 26, 2017 Surrounded by the love of his family, Brian quietly passed away at the age of 81 on the evening of February 26 at Poseidon Care Centre. Brian was predeceased by his parents David and Barbara Ann Johnston, brother Stewart Johnston, in-laws Edwin and Ericka Stenbeck and brother-in-law Robert Stenbeck. Left to cherish Brian's memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Charlotte (Stenbeck), daughters Andrea Kurtz (Daniel), Erika Chura (David), and Arlene Lachance (Hubert), son Douglas Johnston (Angie), Clifford Chartrand, Daniel Pazdor (Calvin), grandchildren Arlana Dujlovic (Andy), Deanna Chura (Andrew Paterson), Michael Chura, Joanna Lachance, Victoria Kurtz (Nicholas Pele), Brayden Chura, Hayle Marie Johnston (Danel G.), and Maygen Johnston, great-grandchildren Alexander Paterson and Laurielle Dujlovic. He will also be deeply missed by his sister-in-law Joan Johnston, brothers Gordon Johnston (Eloise), and Bruce Johnston (Laura), sister Barbara-Ann Balshaw (Michael), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and life-long friends. Brian was born and raised in St. Vital growing up on Norberry Drive. He attended Norberry School and Glenlawn Collegiate. In his younger years, Brian spent time working on the family farm in Green Ridge, MB where he learned of his passion for farming. Brian did a short stint in the Royal Canadian Navy and also worked in Edmonton as a gas meter reader. Migrating back to St. Vital, Brian took up varied short term employment positions leading him to upgrade his schooling, from which he was hired on with MTS. This is where he remained until his retirement in 1993. In 1961 Brian met the love of his life, Charlotte. They were married on May 18, 1963. After being blessed with a growing family of four children, they designed and built their family dream home and hobby farm on an acreage in St. Germaine. It was here that Brian and Charlotte continued to give of themselves by opening their hearts and home as a foster family. Some of these children were raised along-side of their growing family of grandchildren and continue to be loved as an integral part of their family today. Family and friends were very important to Brian. He loved spending time with them whether working in the hay fields, repairing farm machinery or simply relaxing by a campfire sharing stories with his unique sense of humour and wit. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. A special thank you to the entire staff of Poseidon Care Centre, in particular the second floor nursing staff that always provided compassionate care for Brian and the family, right to the very end. In keeping with Brian's wishes, cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11 at Wheeler Funeral Home, 1800 Day St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity that is close to your heart. Funeral Arrangements in Care of: Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street - 204-224-1525 Please sign the book of memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2017
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I met Brian and Charlotte more than 20 years ago when I leased the property next door to theirs for my horses. They were among the nicest people I have ever known. Brian had a somewhat gruff exterior but a heart of gold. He was always willing to share his knowledge and more than willing to lend a helping hand if needed. I will forever be grateful for the advice he gave me in properly using a hay hook. I remember the twinkle in his eye when I asked if the steers had names and he replied, " Yeah, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner." He loved his family and cared about his friends. He will be remembered as a fine and upstanding man. - Posted by: Yvette Battick (Friend) on: Mar 11, 2017
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I write this with a sad heart. I grew up with the Johnston clan and have happy memories of many get family togethers. Brian was always the jokester who was at the ready with a good laugh. I remember that family was very important to Brian and also his wonderful Charlotte. May Brian rest in peace with his memory living on in his loving and devoted family. My husband, Bruce, joins me in sending condolences and deepest sympathy to Charlotte and her children, also my dear cousins Barbara and Mike, Bruce and Laura and Gordon and Eloise. - Posted by: Donna Camyré Langdon (Cousin) on: Mar 09, 2017
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Uncle Brian’s character tops up so many memories of happy family events over so many good years. Everyone spending time at the (Brian) Johnston family’s big, open and welcoming home enjoyed time to connect and relax. He had his feet on the ground and shared concrete, personal wisdom freely. When we get together for all kinds of future family events we will be reminded of those happy occasions bringing memories of him with us. - Posted by: Owen Johnston (Nephew ) on: Mar 07, 2017
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We were so lucky to have you in our lives. Sharing your stories & wisdom of life and enjoying a young at heart personality that always left us having so much fun. Playing on the farm & bowling in your basement to dancing and singing around the campfires. But your infamous quote "Tough" still made sure to know values and that life wasn't always fair. Your stories will continue to be told, values passed on and you will be forever missed. Love you - Posted by: Arlana Dujlovic (Granddaughter) on: Mar 04, 2017