With deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Lionel Raymond Johns on September 12, 2021. Lionel was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Stella Johns, brother Vincent (Celia) Johns and sister Joyce (Hudson) Cleveland. 1n 1956, Lionel married Shirley Mansour, daughter of Wilfred and Mary Mansour of Halifax. Together they embarked on their journey and created many lasting and beautiful memories with their five children and five grandchildren.
Lionel was a man of service to his country. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in (1950 -1984), joining as an enlisted man and eventually reaching his goal to be a commissioned officer. During this 34-year period, he proudly served his country in many places spanning as far west as Dawson Creek, BC and as far east as Gander, Newfoundland and many places in-between including a 5-year secondment with the United States Armed Forces. Upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Lionel joined the Corp Commissioners of Nova Scotia and held the positions of Adjutant and Commandant (CEO) from 1985- 2000. During his time with the Corps, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Lionel’s proudest life achievement was his marriage of 65 years to his wife Shirley, and his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered forever as the quintessential “family man”. Honest, loyal, devoted and loving, he had strong values and integrity and he imparted these values to his family, always leading by example. He was a gentleman, a well- read and kind soul who treated everyone with respect. He was every neighborhood’s “favorite Dad” and was always there when needed. In his younger years he was an avid sportsman, enjoying hockey, baseball, golf and curling. He loved nature, fishing and hunting, reading and in his later years took up gardening, a love that he passed along to all his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, and to his dying breath watched out and worried over Shirley, ensuing that she had cards and flowers for their 65th wedding anniversary which they celebrated shortly before his death.
Lionel, Dad, Granddad and “Uncle Lioney” will be sadly missed but forever and fondly remembered by his wife Shirley, his children -Debra Johns (Mitchell McIntyre), Keith (Callita Krausert) Johns, Brian Johns (Sandra Evans) , Terrence (Paula Redmond ) Johns and Carolyn Johns (Paul Robertson)- and his five grandchildren- Dr. Darcy O’Brien, Dr. Michael O’Brien, Michael (Sam) Johns, Erin Johns and Robert Johns. His was a life of service to others and he will be with us forever in our hearts.
The family wishes to extend sincerest thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Halifax Hospice, the VON, the palliative care team, his personal caregivers from ParaMed and Northwood and his physiotherapist.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 15 Caledonia Rd., Dartmouth, NS, on Monday September 27, 2021 at 10:30 AM.
Online condolences can be left at: www.JASnowFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Halifax Hospice, where he and his family received extraordinary care and support in his final days.
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