As the new kids on the block of Cartelier Place,  we had the good fortune to have Vi and Doug as our neighbours. Hamish bought our house 22 years ago  and  we have been the only new residents since the houses were built in the 70s. 
While I only got to know your mom through our neighbourhood interactions and street comings and goings - her absence is so noticeable.  I will always think of your mom's dog walks at all hours - early morning, late at night, pouring rain - and how much she enjoyed their companionship. Daisy who was our grumpy cat's only friend and Harry the  rescue dog who was so dedicated to her. 
I also enjoyed her garden which definitely blossomed under  her care - especially the gigantic hydrangeas! We will miss her on Cartelier and think of her this spring as her garden blooms. 
Our thoughts are with you. Jayne & Hamish

So many years in the over fifty years of friendship.

We met Vi and Doug before Kim and Ian were born.

We, along with them and friends became a group that would get together to celebrate special times and occasions or just catch up on families.  Summer group visits at our Boundary Bay cabin would involve walks on the sandbars, kids wading in the tidal pools or building sandcastles, adults catching crabs; when they could be found, and usually burgers on the barbecue.

Vi was a good friend who loved her family and was so proud of them, and when asked, loved to bring us up to date about their happenings. 

Vi always tried to be upbeat, even through her extensive illness when I visited or talked with her, she would try and downplay how she was feeling. 

Vi loved her dogs who were her companions and friends. Harry, her last one, who now resides with her daughter Kim was very special in his ability to show her empathy.

Vi, so many memories and special times not to be forgotten.  Be at peace, our friend.

Lynne and Jim Dowling

Well it has always been our memory of the Family get togethers at the Johnston household that included fabulous meals by Vi and wine by Doug; usually at such short notice. And all of this would be topped off with great discussions on the events of the day. We can imagine that Doug and Vi are now sitting over a glass of wine and discussing the events of these days. Always in our memories and their successes are evident in their Children.

I first met Vi at UBC, some 25 years ago now. We hit it off as she was always great fun to chat with. ALWAYS. 

We kept in touch after she left UBC. It was often the case we’d meet at the Park Royal Whole Foods (bakery section) then go to the Cactus Club for lunch or dinner after (no matter what Vi ordered to eat, it always started off with a water AND a coffee, at once and without fail.) Sometimes we’d talk of meeting other places and sometimes we did, but that was a very regular spot to go and meet. Regardless of where I met Vi she was the greatest company, had such a sense of humour, and laughed easily. Every get-together with Vi was something to look forward to; you knew you were going to have really nice time.  She always dressed stylishly and tastefully, right down to the accessories she chose. I admired how she always took the trouble to look so put together, even just for a casual lunch.

If it was for a lunch and not a dinner, clothes shopping followed. Shopping for me that is… because Vi would never buy anything when I was along… she’d come close, then say she already had so many things she didn’t even wear. Still, I used to tease Vi that she was like Park Royal’s secret weapon and say, “are you sure you’re not working for the mall because you can sell (me) anything”.  And she would every time. It was hard to resist her saying just how perfect something was, it would go with everything, the colours were great etc. She was so good, I’d have to say over the phone in advance of a get-together, “Vi, I absolutely can’t buy any clothes today…. I mean it Vi”.  She’d laugh and then maybe let me off the hook that day… maybe.

So, no more arriving at Whole Foods and thinking, hey there’s Vi!  You’re really gone. It seems too soon…. it was too soon. It was great to know you and I’m really going to miss you Vi.

~ Roseann


My deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful mother, Vi.  It still doesn't seem real that she is gone. I received a text from her on New Year's Eve and to hear that she had passed the next day was so tragically unexpected and heartbreaking.

Vi was a kind, thoughtful, and all-around fun person.   She loved her children and grandchildren and was ever so proud of each and every one of them. 

We bonded over martinis long ago and her recipe for cheesecake converted me. And of course, her perogies were the best which I've been lucky enough to try a time or two.  I also admired her keen fashion sense especially her shoes! Her outfits were always on point. I'll miss seeing and chatting with her at family dinners.

May you rest in peace, Vi.

Love,
Gloria



Vi , Doug, John & I have been friends for 50+ yrs. We first met when John and Doug worked for McCarter & Nairne. We have shared many memories over the years starting with martinis at their place after skiing . Then the births and weddings of our children.One of our favourite times was
New Years Eve at their house
 each year with our children and other best friends.
We had lots of laughs. Ate a lot of smoked salmon and shrimp and top it off at midnight with Champagne and sweeping out the old year.
We have admired Vi’s courage and positive outlook as she went through her cancer treatment. She always tried to remain cheerful.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Kim and Ian and their families.
Rest In Peace Vi. You are missed.
Love Joan & John.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Vi’s passing.  Our deepest condolences to Ian, Kim and family on the loss of their mother/mother-in-law/grandmother.  We will always remember Vi’s warmth, sense of humor, and great laugh. 

The Jacko clan

Vi, my first memory of you is coming over for a play date and hearing you yell "EEEEEEE-AAAN!" I thought to myself...."Wow, Ian has a loud and mean mom".  First impressions and how they change.... Well, as each year passed, I saw more and more of your loving, caring, compassionate and intelligent nature. I came to understand how many of the things I love about my best friend, come from you.  I'm so thankful for you bringing my friend to life and raising him to be the amazing friend and father he is today. I'm SO thankful for the friendship we were able to built over the last several years. I'm grateful for the time we had chatting and laughing about everything from babies to Trump. I will miss you dearly. Thank you for all the snacks, meals, drinks, conversations and memories through the many years.

Vi was a kind and lovely lady... worked with her for many years at UBC at my first job in the real working world. She was like a mother to me,  always so caring and looking after me, even after I left UBC and moved on to another company.
I WILL MISS HER DEARLY...

We are so sorry for your loss. Vi was always kind to us and so hilarious! We loved her sense of humour and we imagine this is why 'Uncle Ian is soooo funny!".

I remember the day I went to visit friends who just moved to North Vancouver, when I arrived I realized that Vi lives next door. I stopped by to say hello, but Vi didn't hesitate to welcome me in and offered me tea and we had the best chat about dogs, family and life in general. I will cherish this memory. 

We will all miss her dearly.
Love,
Aimee, Matt, Lucas and Luna

There’s no words that can erase your sorrow, but there is a hope. A hope of love that lives on memories that times can not erase 

She text me one time said “I’m doing ok, Things are slowly moving along,I wish things could be faster but every time I think it is good something else happens.”



My fondest memory of Vi was spending time with her making perogies over the Christmas holidays!  I absolutely love this tradition she  brought from her own family into the Johnston family, perogies and salmon on Christmas Eve!  Vi was a wonderful grandma, mother and friend . .I will forever cherish our chats together from one mother to another. 

Rest in peace, Vi.

Love, 
Eliza 

I have so many amazing memories with my grandma including the time where she bought me my very first pair of hoop earrings and every time we walked Daisy with her. There is one particular memory that is my favourite. It was when we drove to the village to get Delany’s cinnamon buns. We both shared a love for cinnamon buns and they were delicious. she also gave me one of her favourite books as a gift once; ‘The sweetness at the bottom of the pie’ and I will cherish this for years to come. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together and will always wish we were able to have more. My grandma was a wonderful person and I miss and love her so much. Eva

Dear Grandma,

I remember the good times we had together and forever will,
from cooking together 
to going on walks together.
To having dinner together 
to playing cards together.

I remember together when we went to Papinos.
We ate the biggest meatballs ever.
And then we went to Rain or Shine,
To eat ice cream together.

I remember when we walked on the beach.
And watched the sunset through Lions gate bridge.
I remember when we had teppanyaki
And walked around the mountains.

Forever in my heart we will always be together
Having great times, you and me, forever.

Lots of Love Otis

Grandma I miss you very much. I loved staying with you in Vancouver and walking with you and Harry. It was so much fun, and you always let me hold the lead. Dinner out with the entire family was awesome.  Big Love forever Astrid.

Dear Kim and family,
We are heartbroken at the loss of your mother.  Vi was a wonderful woman, neighbour and friend.  We shall always remember her sense of spirit, warmth and fortitude.   Her garden shall remain as a constant reminder of her great life.
In sadness
Corky and Scott McIntyre

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mrs. Violet Joan Johnston

23 juillet 1940 – 1 janvier 2021

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

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