Joseph Edward Arthur Johnson

Joe grew up with wonderful parents Edward and Mary Johnson, where friends and family were always welcomed around the table. He was the youngest brother to Terry and Rick, born between his sisters, Mary, Kathy and Leeann. The sparkle in his eyes and his mischievous grin kept everyone on their toes.

Joe had an entrepreneurial spirit and left school to drive truck across the country. He took advantage of every opportunity he had in life; never afraid to try something once. Joe and his brother Terry started a trucking company which eventually gave rise to the Joe Johnson Trucking company. He bought and operated Joe’s Bait and Tackle for a number of years until it was destroyed in a fire. Seeing the opportunity in this loss, he purchased heavy equipment and barges and put a new spin on his company.

Joe married his beloved wife Patti on February 11, 1978 and together they raised three strong daughters, Aimee, Dawn and Heather. Being surrounded by girls, Joe was outnumbered. He always joked that he wanted sons but he was proud of his daughters. Later, he took his son-in-laws under his wing and taught them many lessons about Rainy Lake, hunting, and cabin life. As a father, Joe was always there for his family. He worked hard in order to give them all of the comforts of life.

Joe was a legend on Rainy Lake. He will be remembered for his escapades and was always willing to tackle a job no one else was willing to do. He was the last one off the ice in the spring and the last one off the water in the fall. We always joked he had 9 lives,all of which he used, and more. He can be remembered fondly with stories of sinking boats, winter diving for sunken equipment (mostly his own), dynamite adventures, and hunting stories. He was fearless on the lake and the first to take on a rescue mission, if he wasn’t the one being rescued. Joe was always full of laughter and practical jokes. He seized any opportunity to soak an unsuspecting friend or fill a truck with chickens overnight.

He loved history and the Wild-West, but there was nothing that he loved more than being on Rainy Lake. Joe built a houseboat on which many memories were made. Later, at Cheesy Island, Joe and Patti made many new lake friends and lasting memories. Joe was always surrounded by great friends. His generosity and willingness to help a friend will never be forgotten.

He was overjoyed to have welcomed six grandchildren into the world, and spent many hours surrounded by them. Papa will be especially missed by Ainsley & Abigail Matheson, Henry & Norah Redford, and Marina & Charlie Jarvis.

Joe is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws; Aimee (Chris) Matheson, Dawn (Boomer) Redford, and Heather Johnson.

Also surviving is his father-in-law, Peter Fylkow, his siblings; Terry, Rick (Phyllis), Kathy (Jim), Mary (Brent), and Leeann (Ted); and his in-laws; Kathy, Linda (Ross). Uncle Joe will be missed by Amanda, Matt, Todd, Chris, Jeremy, Jay, Annissa, Rebecca, Ria, Andrew, Katie, Tanner, Jillian, Emma, and Joleigh, and their families. He will also be missed many great friends including Les, Patti, Chris, Brian, Lori and their families.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Fylkow) Johnson; his mother, Mary Johnson; his father, Edward Johnson; mother-in-law Helen Fylkow and brother-in-law, Robert Mainville.

Aimee, Dawn, and Heather would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our dads family and friends who helped with his care.

A memorial service will be held on Aug 1st, at 11:00 a.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous in Fort Frances, ON.

In memoriam donations may be directed to Riverside Foundation for Health Care c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, ON., P9A 3M8.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.