ORVILLE ERNEST GLENFIELD JOHNSON -

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ORVILLE ERNEST GLENFIELD JOHNSON 1909 - 2001 Peacefully, at Riverview Health Center, Orv Johnson passed away in the morning of Sunday, January 7. Orville is survived by his wife Gladys; sons, Barry (Dorothy), Glenn (Diane) grandchildren, Jeanette, Lark, Ben, and Paul; brother Bob (Shirley) great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews from coast to coast. Orville was predeceased by his dear sister Bessie on December 21, 2000. Born on a homestead in Last Mountain Valley, SK, Orville later moved to Winnipeg with his family. He attended Salisbury School and when his mother suddenly passed away in 1921, he took it upon himself to help take care of his sister Bess and brother Bob, making sure they had clean clothes and breakfast before school. As a youth, Orville was a good athlete and enjoyed soccer, hockey and basketball. When the family moved to Reitta Street, Orv joined McLean Mission where he taught Sunday School and met his future wife Gladys, whom he married in 1937. Son Barry was born in 1939. Always with a strong sense of duty, Orville volunteered for service in the Canadian Army in 1939. He saw service in Canada, England, France and Belgium as a member of the Royal Canadian Service Corps, 3rd Div. He returned to civilian life in November, 1945 and shortly after he gained employment at the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1947, son Glenn was born. Devoted to his family and his home, Orv worked at the C.P.R. till 1974. He enjoyed fishing and bowling where he found his best friends. To the end, Orv was a man of quiet courage and a friend to anyone with good intentions. The family wishes to thank Dr. S. Barker, the staff at 3E, Riverview, Jim, and those who extended helping hands to support Dad in his last days. You are Orvilles kind of people. Here is how he wished to be remembered: MISS ME BUT LET ME GO When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long And not with your head held low, Remember the love we once shared Love me, but let me go. For this journey we all must take And each must go alone, Its all part of the Masters plan A step on the road home. So when you are sick and lonely at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of the Life of Orville Johnson will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Friday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2001