JEFFREY CLAUDE JOHNSON

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JEFFREY CLAUDE JOHNSON 1955 - 2018 "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln Our beloved Jeff died in the early hours of December 2, 2018 leaving his family and friends sad but forever grateful for having shared in his friendship, humour and exuberance. Jeff was a singular kind of guy - a passionate friend, a loving father and a devoted spouse. He lived his 63 years with enthusiasm. Jeff was always a bit of a kid at heart but a solid support to friends and family. Jeff's Winnipeg friends were disappointed when he left Manitoba in 1990 to go live in the more temperate climate of Kaslo, BC. They realized though what a great opportunity this was for Jeff to live in a community that was as unique and creative as was he. "Paradise" is how Jeff would describe his home in Kaslo. Jeff spent early times in Kaslo with daughter Freyja and where he met Betsy - his life's love. When Jeff married Betsy 10 years ago life in "Paradise was complete". Jeffrey Johnson was born in Arborg, Manitoba, son of Jake Johnson and Margaret Anderson. His early years were spent in Riverton growing up with sister Jacquie and many cousins, aunts and uncles. The Interlake was "God's Country" said Jeff, and the Icelanders "a noble and progressive people". Those who knew Jeff could count on stories of the hearty New Icelanders throughout Arborg, Riverton and Gimli. Jeff held a special place in his heart for his paternal grandfather Gudjun. Jeff was very close to his mother Margaret who taught him many of the values that Jeff held dear throughout his life. It was through Margaret that Jeff learned to be a great support to women and a gentle friend to men. Jeff, like his father, became a mechanic. And what a mechanic he was! He worked on cars for loyal customers and friends. He was always generous with advice. Jeff was particularly concerned that women getting the best and most honest service. Early in his mechanics' training he supported the newly founded Women in Trades. Jeff was a self pronounced feminist in the late 1970s - well before his time. Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Margaret Anderson-Bowman and Jake Johnson. Jeff is survived by wife Betsy Lingo-Johnson, stepson Skylar (Jennifer and baby Jackson), daughter Freyja, sister Jacquie (John, Alix and Lucas), stepfather Jim Bowman and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles on both the Anderson and Johnson sides. Jeff will be missed by many long time friends in both BC and Manitoba. A celebration of his life will be held in Kaslo at a later date. Jeff was passionate about learning and reading. For eight years he served on the board of the Kaslo and District Public Library. Contribution to Jeff's memory may be made by donation to the Kaslo Library or library of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2018