G.O. (JERRY) JOHNSON

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G.O. (JERRY) JOHNSON In the early hours of Wednesday, December 3, 2003 Jerry Johnson, one of the indelible, larger-than-life personalities in Western Canadian broadcasting circles, passed away at the Grace Hospital. Jerry leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 55 years, Ruth; his children, Dan (Sheila) and George (Rita) sisters, Peggy and Helen; brother Norman; grandchildren, Brooke, David, Michela and Sabrina; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by sisters, Evelyn and Myrtle; and brothers, George, Robert and Lawrence. Nicknamed "Hollywood" by the late Cactus Jack Wells and born in Wetaskiwin, AB, Jerry began his career in 1944 at age 15 as a radio announcer at CJCA in Edmonton. He also worked in Lethbridge, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Regina. During the long phase of his career in Winnipeg, he was part of the flagship group that ran up the curtain on CJAY-TV (now CKY). He was appointed general manager at Winnipeg Channel 12 Ltd./KCND-TV, based in Pembina, ND and was later instrumental in landing the CKND licence for Izzy Asper and CanWest. Jerry was also an original shareholder in the TV station. He was involved as a consultant with Craig Broadcasting Systems when he retired in 2002. His long and varied career brought him in contact with politicians, celebrities and athletes over the course of five decades. He had fun, and it showed. What set Jerry apart was an insatiable curiosity about life and people. He will be forever remembered by those who knew and loved him for his deep personal convictions, through both good and difficult times, his sense of the absurd and an unshakable commitment to his family and friends. The family would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to the staff on the fourth floor of the Grace Hospital, who treated Jerry as if he were a part of their own family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. with a reception to follow. If anyone so desires, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2003