Raymond "Ray" Wallace Johnson

Ray W. Johnson went home to the Lord peacefully on December 30, 2021, at the age of 78 years. His May 4 diagnosis of ALS, bulbar onset, brought the loss of speech, swallowing, and mobility, which he endured graciously at home until October 18 when he moved to Southwood Hospice.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 51 years, Isabelle (nee Jones), and their daughter, Jennifer Day (Ryan Day) of Calgary; son, Perry Johnson of Copenhagen; grandchildren, Finlay, Kalina and Callan Day; grandson, Elias Johnson; sisters, Ruth Johnson and Joyce Lindberg; nephew Jeff Johnson and nieces Janna Loudoun and Sasha Rhodes; dear cousins; sister-in-law Barb Jones and her children Todd, Brent, Jacquie; nieces Kristi and Karla. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Alice (nee Johnson; 1907-1969) and Henry Johnson (1896-1975).

He was born in Camrose on November 12, 1943. There was always music in their home and at church (First Baptist). Singing and playing trombone continued throughout his life. He was proud of his Swedish heritage.

Ray was truly a gentleman, kind and generous, and authentically himself in his personal and work life. He graduated from Electrical Engineering at U of A in 1967. He met Isabelle there and they were married in Dewberry on July 18, 1970. He began his IT career with IBM in Edmonton in 1967. He was transferred to Montreal in 1974 and to Vancouver in 1976. He took a management job with ACT in Edmonton in 1981. Then, in 1990, he opened the Edmonton branch of Sierra Systems with 5 staff which grew to 120. Ray is remembered by colleagues as a wise, ethical businessman, a mentor, and a team leader who listened well and truly cared, becoming a trusted friend to many. After retiring in 2006, he continued private consulting for a few years.

Ray lived and loved well. He was a strong, caring and much loved father, who also fostered “family” wherever he was involved, at work and in the community. He enjoyed sailing, golfing, skiing, hockey, hiking in the mountains, travelling, honing his culinary skills, and spending time with his grandchildren and extended family. He served in various leadership roles at Laurier Heights Baptist Church in Edmonton. In 2017, he and Isabelle moved to Calgary to be close to Jenny and family.

There will be a Celebration of Life on August 6 at 2 p.m.

Bonavista Baptist 1507 Acadia Drive SE Calgary AB T2J 5C4 (https://bonavistabaptist.ca)

The service will be livestreamed and will remain on Bonavista's YouTube channel for as long as

the family leaves it on.

The direct YouTube link: (https://youtu.be/NSrbnxg3kCA)

There will be a reception following the service, with some of Ray's favs: Timbits, Oh Henry bars,

Coffee Crisp, dessert & deli delights, fruit & veggies :)

The family sends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Murynka and the staff at Southwood Hospice who provided wonderful care, and to the ALS Society, Home Care, and Dr. Sameh Wahba.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Ray’s memory directly to the ALS Society of Alberta, (www.alsab.ca/donate) or Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship of Canada, (www.ivcf.ca/donate).