April 17, 2024
In loving memory ~
Major Roy Johnson departed on April 17, 2024, at Comox Valley Hospital, to join his beloved wife Adrienne ("Nan"). He will be deeply missed and well-remembered by a multitude of wonderful friends and his family, which includes his four children: Diane (Steve) of North Bay, Ontario; Suzanne of Vancouver; Bob (Kellyanne) of Campbell River; and Dale (Tara) of the Slocan Valley, BC.
Roy was lovingly known as "Granka" to his five grandkids: Dustin (Tracy), Jay (Bronwyn), Zackery (predeceased), Ayden, and Jasmin; and four great-grandsons: River, Emerson, Sparrow, and Arden. Roy will also be missed by Nan's brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Carol Thibault, Nan's sister Claire, and many nieces and nephews across the continent. Roy was predeceased by his parents Archie and Margaret Johnson, his brother Al Harder, and sister Vivian Tkaczyk.
Born in 1934, Roy grew up in Fairholme, Saskatchewan. His mother, a talented Mennonite gardener, kept the family well-fed despite the hardships of the Great Depression on the Prairies. One of Roy's first memories was at age 5, waving goodbye to his father as he went off to World War II. Roy grew up fast on the farm, especially after his father died when he was only 15. Roy joined the Air Force at age 19. He worked hard to move up the ranks to communications officer and retired in 1990 after 36 years of military service.
Roy married his childhood sweetheart, Nan, in 1956. They were happily married for nearly 64 years until Nan's passing in 2020. Together, they were masters of blooming where they were planted. They enjoyed making new friends at their many postings, including Namao, Churchill, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Auburn, St. Margarets, Biloxi, Gypsumville, Bruno, Dana, North Bay, Egypt, Courtenay, Vancouver, Ottawa, Victoria, and Colorado Springs.
In their retirement, Roy and Nan enjoyed skiing, playing Canasta, square dancing, travelling in their RV, and spending time with family and friends. Roy was very active and loved in his community. He volunteered with the Knights of Columbus, his church community, cancer support groups, and as a Nordic ski patroller.
Roy was kind, loving, and always generous. He had a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humour. Roy was gregarious and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He will be remembered fondly for his stories and his jolly chuckle.
Roy's family thanks Island Health for their amazing support over the past few months. Roy had a wonderful team of nurses, doctors, home care aids, and therapists, who all helped make his last days easier. Also, big thanks and hugs to Roy's lovely neighbours and friends, the "Comox Valley Angels", for your many years of friendship, love, and care for both Roy and Nan.
Roy's funeral will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church (1599 Tunner Dr., Courtenay) on Wednesday, April 24th, at 11am. He will be interred alongside Nan at the Courtenay Civic Cemetery (4768 N Island Hwy) on Thursday, April 25th, at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, at Roy's request, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully appreciated. For those who would like to join us for the service, it will be live streamed on You Tube @ ctk comox
