Wesley Sapsford Johnson

Wesley Sapsford Johnson passed away on March 17, 2016 at Agassiz, BC. He was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan, in 1921. Wes is survived by his children, James Johnson, Linda Schatkoske, Patricia Frey, and Sandra Simon, and their spouses; his grandchildren, Arlene, Clarissa, Jamie, Tamara, Jennifer, Michael, Lisa, Sarah, and Franz; great grandchildren, Millar, Charlie, Emily, Kaia, Kamaria, Hazel, Harrison, and Ramona; sisters-in-law, Sarah, Ellen, June, Dorothy, and Jocelyn, brothers-in-law, Wilf and Phillip; and many nieces and nephews whose friendship he appreciated. Wes was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nina; his parents, May and Ira Richard Johnson; his sisters, Verlla and Ella; and his brothers, Earl and Richard.

Wes was a proud Canadian who served his country during WW2. A volunteer in the army, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and fought in the European campaign.

During his 69 years in Agassiz, Wes was committed to the community. He served over 25 years on municipal council, many as Reeve and Mayor. Among other endeavours, he was active at Agassiz United Church, a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, a long time member of the local Lions and Elks Clubs, a keen supporter of the Agassiz-Harrison and Kilby Museums, and in his younger years, a volunteer firefighter with the Agassiz Fire Department. For many years, Wes coached a competitive men’s baseball team and then later a men’s fastball team. Over the years, Wes and Nina sponsored various sports teams, youth and adult.

Wes and Nina worked hard to provide a good life for their children. They successfully operated Agassiz Builders Supply and a construction company, Upper Valley Holdings, and along with two of their children, launched Kent Builders Market. Although Wes spent endless hours fulfilling municipal duties, coaching sports, and participating in various community groups and projects, he always cared for his family. Through Wes and Nina’s dedication to family and zest for life, their children enjoyed remarkable experiences.

Wes was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, especially at Pavilion Lake, and he maintained a large vegetable garden until recent years. He kept abreast of news and politics, local and global. He and Nina enjoyed many trips to various parts of the world, often to visit close friends.

Brave, decisive, hard-working, and fair-minded, Wes was a man of action who accomplished much in his lifetime. Above all, he was a respected and beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

A celebration of life will take place at Agassiz United Church at 1:30 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2016. Should family and friends so desire, donations in Wes’ name would be appreciated to the Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society or BC Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Homes & Crematorium Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.