Don Johnson

It is with deep sorrow we announce that Don passed away at home at the age of 77 years old.

Don was born Donald John Milne to parents Doris Elizabeth (née Robertson) and George Christie Milne in Winnipeg. His father passed away before he was 6 months old. When he was 3, Doris married Charles Elmer Theodore Johnson and they moved to his farm in Domain. Charles legally adopted Don making him a Johnson. From a very young age, Don loved the farm and his affection for the lifestyle and the community only grew over the years.

After attending the University of Manitoba for Agriculture and Education degrees, Don began his career teaching high school in Lowe Farm and Glenboro. It was in Glenboro where he met his match in fellow teacher Daphne Fowler. They married in 1976 and returned to Domain. That same year Don became a Sessional Instructor at the University of Manitoba in Biosystems Engineering. He taught Farm Power and Farm Machinery, spanning five decades before his retirement in 2013. He was well respected by his colleagues and a favourite amongst his students, who presented him with 15 teaching awards over his 37 year tenure.

Don had a curious, active mind and was constantly challenging himself. As a young man, he acquired his pilots’ license and enjoyed many evenings flying over Domain. At the age of 50, he decided to take up a musical instrument. Much to the surprise of his mother and the agony of his children, he selected the bagpipes. After several years of practice he joined the Anavet 303 pipe band, playing with them for nearly 20 years. He enjoyed performing in parades and events across the province as well as at Folklorama with his bandmates. Never allowing his mind to sit still, Don enjoyed taking conversational French classes in Ste. Agathe with Daphne after his retirement. He would spend time each day watching Jeopardy shouting out the answers, doing crosswords, and playing chess and solitaire. He was also a member of the Scottish Gentleman’s Club and enjoyed the friends he made there and the camaraderie of the St. Andrew’s Day Dinner and New Year’s Levee.

Don was passionate about his community. He was a proud member of the Avonlea United Church and carried his faith firmly and quietly. Over the years, he volunteered on the Avonlea Church Board, the Domain Recreation Club Board, the Domain Co-Op Board and served as President of the Domain Legion #208. Whether refereeing, coaching, playing goal or tying the skates of neighborhood kids on public skate night, Don was a common sight at the local arena. His love of skating was passed down to his children and grandchildren, and many nights were spent driving to various rinks and cheering from the stands.

Don loved to travel and went on many trips with Daphne, sampling ice cream every step of the way. This sense of adventure took them through over 40 countries on 6 continents and they saw Antarctica from a distance on their final trip to Patagonia in February 2020. He was always happy to arrive home after their journeys, excited for springtime and seeding and the promise of the new crop year. His pride and joy was his family; being a grandpa brought him great happiness. He was a smart, compassionate and inherently kind man. Don was a humble man who loved life. And maybe, because of that, life loved him back. Those who knew him would recognize the twinkle in his eye that preceded a quick-witted joke, which he always thought was funny.

He is survived by his wife Daphne, children Laurel (Craig), David (Jenny), Leslie (Josh), and Patricia (Justin) and grandsons Keegan, Logan, Connor, William, Bennett, and James; his brother Ken (Elaine), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Doreen, brother-in-law Burke, and cousin Ralph.

The family would like to thank the many members of Don’s community, both near and far, for sharing their memories and love of Don. He will be deeply missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, if one wishes, we kindly request donations be made to Avonlea United Church or The Manitoba Lung Association.

A memorial service will be held in Avonlea United Church and streamed to Domain Hall on Saturday, November 19 at 1:00. A private family interment will take place on a different date.

For those wishing to attend the service virtually, please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaMfRYN_siJnh1Ii_a977DQ

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Johnson family.