Kenneth Alfred Johannesson

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the sudden passing of Ken Johannesson on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the age of 74 years. Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife Doreen of 52 years, his children Terri-lee and her partner Shauna and Jason and his wife Patti, his five Grandchildren, Olivia, Mack and Nina and Avery and Gavin. He is also survived by his sister Arleen, her husband Grant, and their family.

Ken was born on June 9,1947 in Kenora, Ontario. He was the second child of Alfred and Bernice Johannesson. He spent a wonderful childhood in Kenora, Keewatin and Winnipeg with his eldest sister Arleen and younger brother Donald. He moved to Winnipeg in the 1950’s and attended St George Elementary, Norberry Junior High and Dakota Collegiate High School. During his time at Norberry Junior High, Ken met the love of his life, Doreen Sperring. Ken excelled at every sport he tried which included Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, Football and Baseball.

After graduating from Dakota Collegiate, Ken attended the University of Manitoba.

He then began his work life at Canada Packers working with computers. He was a pioneer in learning about this then new technology and made it his life’s work. Ken married Doreen in 1969 and they started their family in St Vital. Terri-lee was born in 1972 and Jason followed in 1974.

Ken moved to West Fair Foods in the 1970’s and then on to Canadian Indemnity. In the early 80’s Ken worked at Greater Winnipeg Gas/Centra Gas and finished his career at EDS System House where he retired.

Ken enjoyed spending his time with his wife, children and extended family on many trips including West Hawk Lake, Kenora, Disney World, Vancouver, Cuba and a tour of the Maritimes.

He spent most of his free time at family dinners and events. He enjoyed spending time with his large extended family which included Alfred and Bernice, Arleen and Grant, John and Johanna, Art and Ellen, Lillian and Darryl, Joy and Gary, Rob, Kyle and Trevor.

Ken enjoyed playing baseball and hockey throughout his adulthood. Ken coached both his children throughout their sport careers at Hockey and Ringette. He also enjoyed officiating Ringette. He spent many days in his pool with his children and they would both say he is the reason they excelled at sports, as he taught them everything he knew.

In the early 2000’s, Ken became a grandparent, and he would light up every time he could spend time with his grandchildren. A favorite of his was taking them to St Vital Park to the Duck Pond with his Winnipeg grandchildren and wandering the Waterfront with his Halifax grandchildren. Over the last 17 years, Ken was able to spend almost every summer with his Winnipeg and Halifax grandkids on many a family holiday.

Ken loved his books and had an extensive movie collection. He enjoyed watching professional football and hockey and spent many quiet mornings watching the family of rabbits playing in his front yard with his beloved cat Gabe and later Samson sitting in his lap. His dog Tiny would often be nearby joining in the fun. He loved to putter around his yard and was fiercely independent.

Throughout the last 10 years, Ken survived a stroke, two heart attacks and successfully beat back prostate cancer. He was living his life to the fullest right to the end.

Ken’s wit and humor will be terribly missed.

As per Ken’s wishes, there will be no formal service. If you’d like to make a donation in Ken’s memory, please donate to Cancer Care Manitoba www.cancercare.mb.ca or The Heart and Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.ca