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RALPH JAMES ALBERT JOHNSON
Born: Apr 14, 1956
Date of Passing: Jul 12, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRALPH JAMES ALBERT JOHNSON It is with deep sorrow we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of Ralph James Albert Johnson on Wednesday, July 12, 2017. Ralph's memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd. A reception will follow the service at the church, and an interment will take place at the Avonlea Cemetery in Domain for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations if so desired, can be made to: Epilepsy Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Victoria General Hospital Foundation.
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2017
RALPH JAMES ALBERT JOHNSON It is with deep sorrow we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of Ralph James Albert Johnson, on Wednesday, July 12, 2017. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Laura Mae Johnson, his sisters, Barbara and Hazel, father-in-law Harvey Dreger and nephew Rheal Berard. Ralph is survived by the love of his life: his wife Bonnie, as well as son Brent and Karen Johnson, grandsons, Miles and Malcolm, daughter Laura and Craig Friesen, daughter Jennifer Johnson and husband Adrian Lukow, sister Lorraine and husband Maurice Brisson, mother-in-law Edna Dreger and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many true friends. Ralph was born on April 14, 1956, in Winnipeg. Ralph grew up on the family farm near Domain and attended Sanford Collegiate. He married Bonnie Dreger on July 9, 1977 and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary days before his passing. Ralph had a love of mechanics and his interesting and diverse career included driving truck as an owner-operator at LPR Sabourin Transport, sessional lecturing at the University of Manitoba in diploma agriculture, agricultural aviation with Dale Air, and KBW Aviation, and farming near Aubigny, MB. Ralph loved the challenges of all his ventures, and was especially grateful for the opportunity to see the beautiful Quebec countryside as he expanded his flying into forestry in recent years. Ralph was a faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather, who cherished laughter around the kitchen table during Sunday dinners, evenings around the campfire at the lake, and coffee with his family and friends, who benefited from his one-liner sense of humour and laugh. He was very proud of his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. Ralph was a humble and generous man with a heart of gold and resilience and determination like no other. In his last days he commented on the importance of faith, family and friends. He was a reliable, peaceful, unpretentious, accepting man who loved the outdoors, the land and wide-open spaces, his trucks... and his family dogs. Ralph bravely faced the challenges of his sudden illness without complaint as he relied on his personal faith in Christ. His family would like to thank the incredible staff of Victoria General Hospital Floor 4 South for their compassionate care and professionalism as he fought an aggressive cancer. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shenoda and the Greencrest Clinic. Together, these amazing caregivers were a blessing to Ralph in his last days and hours. Ralph's memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m., at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd. A reception will follow the service at the church, and an interment will take place at the Avonlea Cemetery in Domain for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations if so desired, can be made to: Epilepsy Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Victoria General Hospital Foundation.
Publish Date: Jul 15, 2017
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2017
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I was privileged to know Ralph through the Aerial Application Industry. Over the last few years while on contract in Quebec, Ralph and I had many discussions about many topics. Last year during one of our discussions Ralph recommended the book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. After I finished reading the book, I couldn't wait to visit with Ralph again this year to thank him for his excellent recommendation. It was clear Ralph had a passion for reading because he quickly recommended (ironically) a second book "A Higher Call" by Adam Makos. I didn't know Ralph was ill, but as both books reveal, the human spirit shines in the darkest hours. Rest in peace my friend... - Posted by: Kevin Mooney (Fellow Pilot) on: Jul 19, 2017
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I had the privilege to meet Ralph a few times in June. Man of a few words...he impressed me with his smile and sparkling eyes. Last time I saw him, he was sick. Back from a spraying flight. He did not complain but I knew that he was in a very serious health condition. He has proven me that "flying" is a medication.. Until the day when it is time to take-off forever. No happy landings anymore. Ralph, will see you there! Keep an eye, a smile....on us! Aime Laliberte - Posted by: AIME LALIBERTE (Colleague) on: Jul 17, 2017
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Bonnie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Gisele and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to fly a few years with Ralph on the Quebec forestry contract. I will always remember being stationed in Dolbeau and Forestville, Quebec with him for a month's time. I will cherish the time, the stories, the laughs and the experiences I had with him. It was in Quebec, I was able to teach Ralph a a few french lessons…most importantly to him was how to order his coffee at Tim Hortons. "Un Grande Cafe, demi-sucre et demi-creme." I will miss you Ralph. Our loss is heaven's gain. - Posted by: Mike Alarie (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2017
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It is with great sadness that I was informed of Ralph’s passing. I have met Ralph about five years ago when he first came to help us on the Quebec forestry contract. Over the years, I came to known Ralph enough to consider him as a friend and how good a person he was. I want to offer my deepest condolences to Ralph’s family and friends. Benoit - Posted by: Benoit Tetreault () on: Jul 17, 2017
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On behalf of my board of the directors my employees and personally I would like to express my deepest condolences to Ralph’s family and friends. We knew Ralph as a great pilot and a member of our team, and we are very sad that he is gone so young. - Posted by: Jean-Yves Arsenault (SOPFIM general Manager) on: Jul 17, 2017
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Brent and Jenny we were very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. We hope that he did not suffer. Although we had not met him we admire him for raising wonderful children. I am very sorry that I am unable to attend the funeral but you are in our prayers. - Posted by: Don and Ruth Timmerman (Friends ) on: Jul 17, 2017
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It's hard to imagine not being able to share a conversation with Ralph ever again. He was one of those customers who put a smile on my face when I saw him drive up to the door. We always had many laughs when he came here. His perspective on life was unique, and SO much fun. We will all miss him here at the dealership. I am blessed to have known him. - Posted by: Carl Stevenson (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2017
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So very sorry to hear of your families loss. Even though I had not seen Ralph for many years I do remember him as one of the nicest guys I ever went to school with, starting in grade 3. Though most of my memories of Ralph are very old, they are all very good. - Posted by: Harold Wiens (Old schoolmate) on: Jul 17, 2017
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We met Ralph in May of this year for the one and only time when he picked up a load of canola on our farm near Medora. In that hour that we visited as the trucks were loading it was obvious to us that he was someone worth knowing and who we wouldn't forget. From the way he carried himself, the way he spoke, his pride in his trucks, his family and his life it was obvious he was a good man who lived a good life and loved every day. It was an honour to have met him. - Posted by: Pat and Bob Brigden (A man worth meeting) on: Jul 16, 2017
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Ralph's sense of humour, his laugh and his great work ethic are something that I will miss. He always picked up the phone to chat, and touch base, even in the off season. He flew many, many acres for us at GJ Chemical over the years, and did it with unparalleled quality and precision. I'll miss him giving us a hard time for not giving him enough details on the application sheets, and always doing it with a sly smile on his face. He will deeply missed by us when we go to the runway, but we all know he'll be flying with us in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Thank you Ralph for teaching us to be better. You will be dearly missed, and always in our hearts. - Posted by: Brent Manning (Friend/Co-worker) on: Jul 15, 2017
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To Brent and his family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your memories will always keep your father's spirit alive in each and everyone of you. Our prayers are with you. Irene & Claude Martin (Chantal's parents) - Posted by: Irene & Claude Martin (Friends) on: Jul 15, 2017