Raymond "Ray" Harry Johnson

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Maureen; his children, Alanna (Kevin), Jolene, and Raymond (Ginette); and his cherished grandchildren, Christian (Alexis), Keira (Caden), and Dylan.

Also mourning his loss are his brothers, Bob (Kathy) and Wayne (Marilyn); his sister, Michele; his sister-in-law, Beverley; his brothers-in-law, Harold (Pat) and David; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Gary; sisters-in-law, Jolene and Nettie; brother-in-law, George; nephew, Dustin; and his beloved parents, George and Josephine.

Dad was born in 1941 and spent his early years on the family farm in Dufrost, Manitoba. His family later moved to Winnipeg, and although they moved a few times, they settled in St. Vital. After high school, he began working at CN in the Transcona Shops and remained there until his retirement.

In 1962, Dad met our mom on a blind date. Although the couple who set them up did not last, Dad had found his soulmate.

They married in 1965 and settled in Transcona, where they built their life together for the next 58 years. It was here they welcomed their first daughter, Alanna, followed by Jolene and then Raymond Jr. Dad finally had his boy!

Dad was very active and, throughout the years, played on various baseball teams, including Dal’s and the Flashbacks. He competed many times in the Seniors Softball World Championships and enjoyed the camaraderie of his teammates. He was a familiar face at the Transcona Golf Club, where he spent many mornings golfing with his brother Bob. He was thrilled with his hole-in-one, but probably looked forward to the breakfast there even more. In the winter, he enjoyed curling and playing badminton.

He could often be found tending to his garden, making sure his tomatoes were well cared for. He took great pride in keeping his lawn immaculate and his hedges and spruce trees looking their best. In his younger years, he also loved to go hunting. Every year, he looked forward to heading out to hunt with his childhood best friend, Conrad. Even as his memory faded, he still talked about the ducks.

Some of our best memories with our parents are of the many summers they took us camping. It often felt as though we spent the entire summer travelling to and exploring different places throughout Manitoba. Dad always took us fishing, spent endless hours swimming in the water with us, catching minnows with our beach towels, running through fields and sand dunes, and building fires for us to roast marshmallows. He never complained and always joined in our activities.

Dad also coached many of our baseball teams while we were growing up, and when we weren’t on the diamond, he made sure we had a glove in hand to go across the street to the park to “have a catch.”

When Mom and Dad both retired, it was time for them to see the world. They spent many wonderful years cruising and travelling throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.

Their greatest joy, however, was the arrival of their grandchildren. They spoke of them with love and pride.

The last few years were not kind to Dad, but throughout his illness, even when he no longer remembered who we were, he often greeted us with a warm smile when we visited. We always made sure he had his favourite Coke to drink and knew he was loved.

We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Holy Family Home, especially on the St. Nicholas Unit, for taking such wonderful care of Dad over the past few years. We have often said that there are angels walking on Earth, and they work at Holy Family Home.

In keeping with Dad’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dad’s name to Holy Family Home, 165 Aberdeen Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R2W 1T9

We love you, Dad. It’s time for you to rest now.