RUBEN WILFRED JOHNSON

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RUBEN WILFRED JOHNSON

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, papa and great-grandfather, Ruben Wilfred Johnson on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.
Ruben was predeceased by his wife Martha (2002), son Larry (2020), brothers, Henry, Harvey, Wallace and Bert, sister Pearl, and parents, Albin and Hilda.
Ruben will be dearly missed by his children: Sharon (Ken) and Verner (Jennifer), grandchildren: Brittany (Jordan), Amy, Sarah, Anders, Holly and Carter, great-grandson: Henry, brothers-in-law: Emil (Katie) and Alfred (Evelyn), and many nieces, nephews and friends, especially those at Beauchemin Park Place and The Westhaven.
Ruben was born in Bromhead, SK on September 26, 1930. In 1937, him and his family moved to the Dugald, MB area to start farming on unbroken land with no water or electricity. They lived in a tent to start and then built a large farmhouse in 1942. Ruben obtained a diploma in Agriculture from the University of Brandon and farmed with his dad until he passed in 1959. Ruben then took over the farm with his brother Wallace. On April 23, 1960 he married Martha and they both lived in the family farmhouse until they retired from farming and moved to the city. Ruben and his dad Albin both shared the same passion for farming.
Ruben and Martha loved attending all the family gatherings; there always seemed to be a good enough reason for a party. Ruben loved Martha's passion for cooking. He was truly spoiled with three full home cooked meals a day and fabulous desserts. Ruben never left the table without having dessert and loved to try and fool his kids and later grandchildren by having them look the other way, so he could scoop a few spoonfuls of their ice cream.
Ruben truly loved people and talking with good company. He was quite the character who was quick witted and had a good sense of humour. Ruben was known to make many people laugh. It was highly likely that he would clean your clock in any card game and he was also a pool shark. It didn't matter how old you were there was never a chance he would let you win, and he was not afraid to rub in his victory. The odd time he'd sit there quiet was when he would occasionally lose.
Ruben was a hard-working man and instilled a similar work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Growing up on the farm, there was no time to sit around and both Ruben and Martha worked very hard together.
Ruben was a big man with bear-size hands which matched his big personality. He would give you that first impression that he was a very stern man, but inside his heart was always full of love for everyone.
Ruben was very involved in the Swedish community, particularly Vasa Lund, where he served on various boards. He was always proud of his Swedish heritage.
Ruben loved to dance. Later in his retirement he enjoyed going to the Legion on Saturday afternoons to enjoy some live music and dancing. He also travelled to many communities for fall suppers and dancing with his late companion Elsie Glowa.
Due to the current pandemic, a graveside funeral and Committal will take place with immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held once it's safe to do so.
Ruben's family would like to thank all the staff at St. Norbert Personal Care Home for the wonderful care they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Norbert Personal Care Home.
Friends and family may share memories and view a video tribute by visiting Ruben's memorial page at seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2020