CARL REINHOLD "RICK" JOHNSON

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CARL REINHOLD "RICK" JOHNSON Rick was born in The Pas, Wednesday, January 28, 1920, third child to Andrew and Hilda Johnson. He grew up in The Pas, with brothers, Art and Jack; and sister Ruth. After finishing schooling in The Pas, he worked as a sales clerk in Sherridan. He also worked underground in the mines until he was 21. He enlisted in the RCAF on April 16, 1941 and began his training in Portage la Prairie and continued in Yorkton, SK. From there, he was shipped to Thornaby, Yorkshire, England. Next stop, Sierra Leone, West Africa and the 200 Squadron. The duties of this squadron, were to patrol the Atlantic for German subs and merchant ship escort. He returned to Dartmouth, NS where he met Allene Goedike, and they were married in Flint, MI, June 28, 1946. After setting up home in Hull, QC, Susan and Stephen were born in Ottawa, ON. They were transferred to Edmonton, Kim was born there in 1952. In October of 1961, F/L CR Johnson was transferred to 30 AMB Langar, England and in July of 1963 to 3 Wing, Zwiebruken, Germany, where he completed his 24 year hitch with the Air Force. He moved the family to The Pas in July of 1964. He worked for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development for 14 years, travelling throughout the north, making many friends. He and Allene did a lot of travelling around the globe, following the figure skating, that they both enjoyed. Allene passed away April 16, 1988 and it was that summer that he took up the game of golf. He was community minded, being a member of Rotary, the Legion, Community Choir and involved with his church. Rick enjoyed the summer get togethers with his family. Due to failing health, he moved in with Kim and Val in December 2003. He was thrilled to see the safe arrival of his fifth great-grandchild, Emma Jean. Rick passed away Thursday, April 8, 2004 at St. Anthonys Hospital, The Pas at the age of 84 years. Before his passing, Rick was able to enjoy having all of his great-grandchildren and grandchildren around him. Rick is survived by his daughter Susan Allene (Warren) Shaw, Edmonton, AB, sons, Stephen (Judith) Johnson, Dawson City, YK, Kim (Valerie) Johnson, The Pas; grandchildren, Sean (Tammy) Matiowsky, Calgary, AB, Jennifer-Jane (Tim) Schroeder, Edmonton, Vicki (Shayne) Crossley, The Pas, David (Amy) Johnson, The Pas; great-grandchildren, Brett and Austin Crossley, The Pas, Erik and Sophie Schroeder, Edmonton, Emma Johnson, The Pas; brother Jack (Blanche) Johnson, The Pas; numerous nieces and nephews; partner and friend, Elsie Vatzel and other relatives. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Hilda Johnson; his wife Allene; brother Art (sister-in-law Ceone) sister Ruth (brother-in-law Bob McKay) mother-in-law Anna Goedike; father-in-law Fredrik Goedike. "You can shed tears that he is gone or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back or you can open your eyes and see all he has left. You can remember him and only that he is gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on." According to Ricks wishes, cremation will take place and a service of remembrance will be held Wednesday, April 14 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, with Rev. Grahme Spear of Christ Church Anglican, The Pas and Captain Tony Gosse, Legion Chaplain, presiding. If friends so desire, donations to the Christ Church Building Fund, Box 125, The Pas, MB R9A 1K3 would be appreciated by Ricks family. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas in care of arrangements. 204-623-3261.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2004