Godfrey "Walt" Walter Johnsen

Sadly, we announce that Walter Johnsen passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Joan, of 47 years, stepson Sean Stewart (Kathy), Grandsons Leighton and Lachlan Stewart and his beloved nieces Grace Swaisland (Gerry) and Valerie Schlater (Rob), Sister-in-law Scampi Hirst (Larry) and brothers-in-law Norm and Steve Rettie. He is predeceased by his parents Peggy and Fred Johnsen, sister Esther Cullen, brother in law Gary Cullen niece Faith Cullen, Mother and Father-in-law Marion and Norm Rettie, sisters- in-law Sandy and Kathy Rettie

He graduated from David Thompson High and BCIT as a Red Seal Heavy duty Mechanic. He started his career with BC Equipment and went on to work with Steveston Marine Services, Finning Tractor, Branch 5 and was self-employed for several years. As a proud member of IUOE, he worked for several companies on Union call outs, in town and in the field. He was a dedicated Heavy Duty Mechanic with a love of Caterpillar engines. At one time in his career he decided to try something different, he bought a semi-truck and trailer and went long haul trucking. It was an “experience” that lasted for 5 years. Throughout his working years he made many long lasting relationships with people he remained in contact with til his passing,

He and Joan moved to Vancouver Island from Burnaby, in 1996 and he finally retired in 2019 at the age of 73, although he always wanted to go back to work even at the age of 80.

He had a great love of music and a huge record collection that he would play for all who had the time to listen. He enjoyed going to the Fanny Bay Inn (FBI), where he made many good friends and loved the music Jams on Saturday nights, His Hobbies included getting firewood, tinkering with Chevy engines and watching NFL football. He loved Mexico and traveled many times to Mexico City, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. He became fluent in the Spanish language and got a kick out of talking to people in Spanish, whether they understood him or not.

He was fondly known as “the Mayor of Mystery Beach”. He had chairs in front of his shop for anyone who would drop by for a beer, pop, or water and some good conversation and news of the neighborhood. There wasn’t a dog in the neighborhood that could go past our driveway without stopping by for a biscuit.

As a member of the Fanny Bay Seniors, he was involved in the annual garage sale and could sell raffle tickets to anyone who passed his table.

He was a unique personality and will be deeply missed for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Special thanks to Dr. Bakshi and the nurses in Cancer Care at Comox Hosp. You all helped him be positive through everything. Many thanks to the Doctors and Nurses on 3A for taking such kind and compassionate care of my Husband.

Hasta la vista my love

A celebration of life will be held a later date