LEO JOHN JOHNSON

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LEO JOHN JOHNSON

After a long life, at the age of 90 years old, we announce the passing of Leo, our loving dad, grandfather, (papa), on September 27, 2020.
Leo was born on June 12, 1930, to Caroline and Georges Johnson in St. Boniface, Winnipeg, MB. He came from a family of 16 children. Due to the hardship of his father having cancer and then passing, he along with a few of his siblings had to live with the Grey Nuns Orphanage in Winnipeg. Leo as a child ran away from this Orphanage, he survived by working and finding comfort in visiting his older brother Bill's family. As a young man he worked for the Teamster's Union driving the 30 ton trucks in Northern Manitoba. He enjoyed fishing, racing pigeons, carpentry, playing baseball (well into his late 60s), boxing, staying active, and socializing. Making friends almost everywhere he went, Leo was healthy, walking around, visiting into his 80s. Leo was kind, caring and often thought about others before himself. Leo was so excited to visit his first grandchild at the hospital and often made the trip from St. Eustache, MB into Winnipeg to stay with his daughter and son to help and to be close. He remained close throughout every grandchild's birth and life to this point. He was quite proud of never holding back his love and admiration for his family. Leo had a very strong spirit, but was very compassionate. People were naturally drawn to his friendly, joyful spirit that built others up regardless of any situation. Leo believed in and shared his love for God to many and he enjoyed reading his bible. This helped shape his life as he always had faith in God no matter what circumstances he faced.

"I have fought the good fight
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Leo was diagnosed with dementia in his 80s. He leaves to mourn his daughter Ginger Johnson, his son-in-law Russell Mason; grandchildren, Kimberly, Charisma, Constantine, Julius, Reign, Nakiyah, and baby Leo Mason; nephews, Romeo (Louise) Joy, Georges, Willay, and many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his common-law of 19 years, Loreen Ogemow (October 2019); his wife Mabel Oigg (Matheson Island, 1982), and grandson Russell Leo Mathias Mason (August 2006).
Funeral service will be held at Eternal Grace Funerals, 1111 Logan Ave., Winnipeg, Friday, October 30 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Covid-19 restrictions will be followed.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2020