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DARRYL SIGURDUR JOHNSON
Born: Jun 07, 1944
Date of Passing: Feb 16, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDARRYL SIGURDUR JOHNSON
If you knew Darryl Johnson, you were lucky. And boy, were we lucky! Our husband, dad and grandad was taken too soon by Alzheimer’s. He accomplished great things in his almost 80 years with us and still could have had much more to give. And if you were indeed lucky enough to have known him, you knew a kind, thoughtful, intelligent man with a quiet sense of humour. No one ever called him out for being bossy, boisterious or beligerent. Instead, everyone who knew Darryl knew he was, in one word, ‘nice.’ An often overlooked word, but the perfect word to describe him. He was nice as a child growing up on Ashburn Street, he was nice as an education graduate from the University of Winnipeg, he was nice as he served a chocolate donut and Coke to a really cute blonde who arrived at his Salisbury House counter one Saturday morning (a foreshadowing of things to come) and he was nice when he took his first teaching job at Brooklands Collegiate - where he would re-meet and marry that same cute blonde from the Salisbury House, Penny Ferguson.
Darryl was kind to everyone he met. It was his empathy, sympathetic ear and all-round good nature that would serve him well in his almost 40 years teaching and serving as an administrator and assistant superintendent in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, and later with the Department of Education. He was a champion for countless special needs children and their families, as well as the many remarkable employees working throughout the division who supported these same students with the services and help they deserved. Mainstreaming was something that Darryl was most proud of, in addition to introducing the C.L.A.S.S. and Reading Recovery programs. His pride spilled over into his home life where his daughter, Jodi (Tim) and son, Cory (Jennifer) were so very important to him - especially when he made them take the odd extra “course” now and then… “Kids, it’s called Lifelong Learning!” he’d say. Also, he was so proud of his granddaughter, Lucy, who is smart-as-a-whip, just like her grandad!
Back to that cute blonde... Penny and Darryl made a wonderful life of 55 years together. They made the perfect pair. While Darryl enjoyed gardening, Penny enjoyed supervising and providing direction as to where the flowers would look best. She left it up to Darryl to plant, water and weed, which, if he could, would do it twenty-four seven. The neighbours, wherever they lived, would often remark that Darryl had the most beautiful gardens on the block.
Throughout his teaching career, he was never quick to give a perfect mark. “I gave that student a nine and a half out of ten because I don’t give tens,” he often would say. Well dad, we all agree…for all that you are, the life you lived, the family you created and the wonderful people you helped - you definitely deserve a 10 out of 10!
As per Darryl’s personality, there will be no final fuss made over him. Instead, please remember the wonderful person he was. Special thanks to the staff at Beacon Hill Lodge and Golden West Lodge for the wonderful care you provided to Darryl. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or Special Olympics Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2024, Feb 24, 2024
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Very sorry to hear of Daryl’s passing. Brought back many childhood memories when we lived nearby. Susanne - Posted by: Susanne and Ken Matchett (Cousin) on: Oct 23, 2024
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I volunteered with Darryl at the St. James Scholarship Foundation for several years. He was a lovely man with a deep commitment to the community. I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Lindsay Sawyer Fay (Volunteer) on: Mar 09, 2024
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Sincere condolences to Penny, Jodi, and Cory, As my sister said we used their yard on Ashburn as a cut thru to Strathcona, lots of childhood memories. Prayers and peace to the family ❤️ - Posted by: Marci Ullyot (Cousin) on: Feb 27, 2024
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I am saddened at the passing of Darryl, your words beautifully describe his caring and supportive nature. Darryl was my 1st Administrator in the Division's Clinical services and I still warmly recall our conversations in the division and later when he joined the Department of Education. I worked primarily with students with exceptional needs and Darryl was always a strong advocate. My condolences for your loss as you grieve but you were correct all who knew Darryl were truly lucky. - Posted by: Kevin Biggar (Speech-Language Pathologist - ESS) on: Feb 27, 2024
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I met Darryl when I was a staff member at Strathmillan School. He was the vice-principal at the time. What I remember most was Darryl's kind, caring, and thoughtful manner. Students, parents, and staff members all benefitted from his quiet demeanor. He was a gifted, enlightened educator. - Posted by: Sheldon Goldberg (Teacher) on: Feb 26, 2024
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I worked with Darryl back in the late 60’s at John Taylor. He was a great guy then and later when he was superintendent. Always had an educational idea. One one the “nice” people in the division. My greatest sympathies to Penny and the family. Gone too soon! - Posted by: Don Breakey (Co-worker) on: Feb 25, 2024
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Darryl Johnson was always so supportive of all my activities at school - the Employability Skills Portfolio project in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Education and our Division; Cooperative Education; summer work education activities; he was always very encouraging and supportive. He was a valuable member of the St. James Scholarship Foundation. He will be missed! - Posted by: Dawn Hicks (St. James Assiniboia - past staff member) on: Feb 25, 2024
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What a wonderful and most accurate tribute to an amazing man with whom I had the honour of working in several situations. His support for his colleagues was never ending and his support for special needs students and understanding their needs was incredible. Rest in peace, Darryl.Our world was blessed because you were in it. - Posted by: Lorne Lisik (Colleague and friend) on: Feb 25, 2024
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To Penny, Jodi and Cory and families, I am deeply sorry that Darryl had to leave us so soon. Darryl was a gentleman of the utmost honesty and integrity. Our family's memories are of him working quietly in his beautiful gardens. Little chats over the fence. - Posted by: Judy Klimack (Friend and neighbour) on: Feb 25, 2024
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My most sincere condolences to The Johnson Family. I was a student of Mr. Johnson. He truly was a nice man and an excellent teacher. I have many fond memories of my interactions with Mr.Johnson he truly was an exceptional role model. Ron McDonell Brooklands Collegiate Class of 1971 - Posted by: Ron McDonell (Student of Mr. Johnson 1968-1971) on: Feb 25, 2024
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I first met Darryl in February 1976 when I practice taught in his classroom at JT. Our paths crossed again when he came to Strathmillan as v.p. He was always supportive of my efforts to teach students French. Our paths crossed through the years in STJASD. Always a pleasure to have a chat with him. I last saw him and his family at Rae & Jerry’s a few years ago. Condolences to his family on the passing of this fine man. - Posted by: Cathie Morgan Matula (Former colleague ) on: Feb 24, 2024
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Sincerely sorry to hear of Darryl’s passing. Having lived on Strathcona St. We used to walk by Darryl and Barry’s house walking to and from the bus stop. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Susanne. - Posted by: Susanne Matchett (Cousin) on: Feb 24, 2024
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Jodi, To you and your family, my deepest sympathy. The tribute you all wrote about Dad was beautiful. Yes, he was a NICE guy in all my work with him, whether on behalf of 'kids' or n the S-J-A Foundation Board. In his own quiet way, he created so many new opportunities for special students. In his own way, he made the world a better place. - Posted by: Tom Dercola (Colleague) on: Feb 24, 2024
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I had the pleasure of working with Darryl in many capacities in the St, James-Assiniboia School Division, lastly in the Board Office. He was a true advocate for students especially those with special needs. Rest in peace, my friend. My condolences to Penny, Jodi, Cory and extended family and friends. - Posted by: Dorothy Young (Colleague ) on: Feb 24, 2024
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I had the pleasure of working with Darryl both in schools and at Manitoba Education. He was a true gentleman, his contributions to Inclusive Education were too many to count. The way he handled himself in difficult situations was a model for me and so many others as we travelled the difficult job of change in schools. I was privileged to know and work with him. - Posted by: Joanna Blais (Former colleague) on: Feb 24, 2024