GERALD (JERRY) KENNETH JOHNSON

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GERALD (JERRY) KENNETH JOHNSON At the youthful age of 72, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away very suddenly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Betty (nee Doran) his sons, Grant (Sheri) of Winnipeg and Greg (Rosemary) of Calgary, and his daughter Christine (John Vokey) of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Matthew and Jennifer Johnson of Winnipeg and Christopher Vokey of Lethbridge; and two brothers, Stanley (Shirley) of Winnipeg, and Don (Lou) of Thompson. He was predeceased by his mother Florence; his stepmother Jean, and his father Stanley. Jerrys passion was his wife Betty. Their 53 years of marriage were filled with adventures and changes but life was never dull. The two of them were often seen walking hand-in-hand along the boardwalk. Jerry worked at many jobs during his lifetime but he was best known as a commercial artist and high school art teacher (Tec-Voc and R.B. Russell). His recognizable commercial designs include logos for A&W and Co-Op. Only a few months ago, Jerry received yet another call from a former student. She just wanted to tell him the positive affect he had upon her life. One of Jerrys latest projects was finding out more about his Icelandic heritage. As part of his quest, he illustrated three childrens books (The Huldufolk, The Huldufolk - Forever Friends, and A Magical Story of the Gimli Trolls. He was especially excited and proud to see his familys history documented in the Gimli Museum. Jerry is also survived by countless friends. He will be remembered as a good listener and an exuberant talker, as the leader of the "Icelandic Air Force", an outspoken intellect who stood by his beliefs, and a free spirit. His sense of humour and fascination with life will be missed by all who were lucky enough to spend time with Jerry. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. in the Gimli Funeral Chapel with Pastor George Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the Gimli Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Community Health Centre, Fund Raising Initiative, Box 1710, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0 or the Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3. In the words of a little girl Jerry met the other day: "Goodbye, interesting man." We love you and we will miss you. Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2001