Wendell JOHNSTON

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JOHNSTON: Wendell Franklin Johnston passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at the Minnedosa District Hospital. Left to cherish his memory: wife Mavis of 65 years, daughters Diane (Fred) Yakiwchuk, Wendy Northey, Barbara (Ken) Cook, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Wendell was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Marguerite Johnston and his brothers, Walter and Keith and grandson Brad Cook. Wendell was born October 27, 1924 at the farm home of his Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. William McMillan of Erickson, Manitoba. After spending the first 9 years at Alonsa, Manitoba, the family moved to the Westmount District near Erickson. After leaving school, he worked on his Dad’s farm and other various jobs. On November 11, 1944, Wendell joined the Army. He was on embarkation leave, but never saw action because the war ended. In the spring of 1947, he became a grain buyer for Manitoba Pool Elevators at Brunkild, Manitoba. The following year he married Mavis Holmlund and they lived at Brunkild until 1950. While living there, Wendell spent many hours rescuing people and animals during the May 1950 flood. Farming seemed to be in his blood and after working at several jobs, they moved to Erickson, purchased land and farmed for 39 years. Wendell was very active in the community serving on the Church and Parish Councils, Credit Union and Pool Elevator Boards, R.M. of Clanwilliam Councilor. Curling and Skating Rink Committees and has been a Legion and Lion’s Club Member. After retiring from the farm in 1991, they moved to Erickson and lived there until 2007 when they moved to Minnedosa. He was a very devoted and loving family man with a great sense of humour which showed when he and his brother Keith got together! We all have many fond memories and will miss him very much. Funeral service was held October 24th, 2013 at the Erickson Lutheran Church. Pastor Jim Vickers and Natasha Pearen officiated. Burial service was held at the Minnedosa Cemetery. The eulogy was read by Ken Cook. Words of remembrance were told by Barbara Cook, Nicole Perciballi, Wendy Northey, Jeff Holmlund, Mavis Johnston and Bruce Holmlund. His humour and love of family was a common denominator known by all. Janelle Northey, granddaughter performed a beautiful solo “In The House Of God Forever.” Pallbearers were: Scott Yakiwchuk, Tim Yakiwchuk, Brendan Cook, Nicole Perciballi, Janelle Northey, Erin Northey, Nicole Kotak and Melvin Johnston. Viola Burkett was the organist, and Lutheran Ladies served a delicious lunch following the service. Minnedosa Funeral Service took care of the arrangements. If one desires, donation can be made to a charity of choice. “Tack Så Mycket”Wendell, Dad for a great life! (Tack Så Mycket meansThank you very much).

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 02, 2013