Obituary for Karl Edwin Johnson
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karl at the age of 77 years old. Survived by his loving wife Debbie of 41 years, son Brian, daughter Tanya and two grandsons Elijah and Maximus.
Karl was born in Swift Current Saskatchewan as an only child to Kathleen and Albin Johnson. Karl lost his mother when he was 4 years old and was raised by his grandmother until he was 12 years old. At age 16 he joined the Army where he served six years including time with the United Nations Emergency Force in the middle East and as a Signalman with the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) on Ellesmere Island.
Following his service, he worked to finance his world travels. Some of the countries he visited included Australia, Japan, Greece, Germany, Mexico, and Guatemala. In 1980, he met his wife Debbie through good mutual friends. Soon after they married and he adopted Brian and Tanya and inherited a large extended family who were excited to have him. Debbie and Karl were in their 41st year of marriage and shared a love that withstood life's trials.
His easygoing calm nature, sense of humor, kindness, compassion, selflessness and flare for life made everyone who entered his life instantly drawn to him. Those who knew him described him as a good man, a man of honour who was loved and respected by all. He was always willing to lend a hand.
Despite his difficult upbringing, Karl was destined to be a family man. He was a devoted husband and father and a good friend to so many.
In 2004 at age 59 Karl was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He went into spontaneous remission until 2012. From there he underwent many treatments. Much to everyone's surprise, he managed to keep buying time making his journey with cancer inexplicable at times to medical professionals. While rarely complaining and with his strength, resilience, perseverance and endurance he fought cancer long and hard for 17 years.
Karl was fortunate enough to have had the gift of time long enough to see many milestones such as his children getting married and getting to know his two grandsons Elijah and Maximus.
In his life prior to cancer, Karl was very active. He enjoyed tennis, skating, running, volleyball, canoeing, and down-hill skiing.
His love for the outdoors also included gardening, bird watching, and nature walks. His love for animals was also apparent in his several pet cats the family owned over the years.
He loved reading and shared an extensive library of books with Debbie. He also enjoyed playing scrabble, visiting art museums, live theatre, sporting events, music concerts, and listening to almost all genres of music. Often you could hear rock music playing in the background. However he was equally likely to be listening to symphony music.
He was playful with his grandsons. Even in recent times, you might find him playing water fights in the backyard or building blanket tents! He had a flare for languages which he practiced during his world travels. He had a keen and vested interest in politics and world events.
Karl worked as a plumbing warehouseman for many years to support his family. He was always a strong union supporter.
Karl will be remembered and celebrated for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and above all, his sense of humor and the love he gave to those around him.
We love you and will miss you so much Karl. You gave us so much. We will take you with us everywhere and we will keep you in our hearts and speak fondly of you often. Your energy and spirit carry on with us eternally.
Karl was born in Swift Current Saskatchewan as an only child to Kathleen and Albin Johnson. Karl lost his mother when he was 4 years old and was raised by his grandmother until he was 12 years old. At age 16 he joined the Army where he served six years including time with the United Nations Emergency Force in the middle East and as a Signalman with the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) on Ellesmere Island.
Following his service, he worked to finance his world travels. Some of the countries he visited included Australia, Japan, Greece, Germany, Mexico, and Guatemala. In 1980, he met his wife Debbie through good mutual friends. Soon after they married and he adopted Brian and Tanya and inherited a large extended family who were excited to have him. Debbie and Karl were in their 41st year of marriage and shared a love that withstood life's trials.
His easygoing calm nature, sense of humor, kindness, compassion, selflessness and flare for life made everyone who entered his life instantly drawn to him. Those who knew him described him as a good man, a man of honour who was loved and respected by all. He was always willing to lend a hand.
Despite his difficult upbringing, Karl was destined to be a family man. He was a devoted husband and father and a good friend to so many.
In 2004 at age 59 Karl was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He went into spontaneous remission until 2012. From there he underwent many treatments. Much to everyone's surprise, he managed to keep buying time making his journey with cancer inexplicable at times to medical professionals. While rarely complaining and with his strength, resilience, perseverance and endurance he fought cancer long and hard for 17 years.
Karl was fortunate enough to have had the gift of time long enough to see many milestones such as his children getting married and getting to know his two grandsons Elijah and Maximus.
In his life prior to cancer, Karl was very active. He enjoyed tennis, skating, running, volleyball, canoeing, and down-hill skiing.
His love for the outdoors also included gardening, bird watching, and nature walks. His love for animals was also apparent in his several pet cats the family owned over the years.
He loved reading and shared an extensive library of books with Debbie. He also enjoyed playing scrabble, visiting art museums, live theatre, sporting events, music concerts, and listening to almost all genres of music. Often you could hear rock music playing in the background. However he was equally likely to be listening to symphony music.
He was playful with his grandsons. Even in recent times, you might find him playing water fights in the backyard or building blanket tents! He had a flare for languages which he practiced during his world travels. He had a keen and vested interest in politics and world events.
Karl worked as a plumbing warehouseman for many years to support his family. He was always a strong union supporter.
Karl will be remembered and celebrated for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and above all, his sense of humor and the love he gave to those around him.
We love you and will miss you so much Karl. You gave us so much. We will take you with us everywhere and we will keep you in our hearts and speak fondly of you often. Your energy and spirit carry on with us eternally.