Obituary of Leslie Paul "Les" Johnson

JOHNSON: Leslie Paul Johnson (September 26, 1932 – December 6, 2012). It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Leslie Paul Johnson, on December 6, 2012 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Les will be lovingly remembered by his brothers Ken, Jack, Clarence, and sister Shirley Gallaugher. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn in 2002, and by his brother George and sisters Marion and Delores. Les grew up in a small community near Algonquin Park, Ontario called Whitney. There, he worked on the family farm then went off to the logging camps at the tender age of 14. He married the love of his life, Evelyn, and they had five children: son Cary (Karen) and grandson Ryan; son Andy and grandchildren Andrew and Josie Lynn; son Tom and granddaughters Carly and Jennifer; daughter Teresa (Lloyd) Stasila and grandchildren Kylie (Marc), Erin (John) and great grandchildren Lily and Lukas; son Eldon and grandsons Triston and Trayton. He was very proud of his new additions to the family- his great granddaughter Lily and great grandson Lukas. In 1980, he began work with Zenith Paving and after 22 years, at the age of 70, he retired. Les enjoyed time with friends talking about old times playing the accordion. Les loved animals, especially horses. He raised and trained Belgian horses and provided sleigh rides for family, friends and special occasions. Basil, his collie dog, was a great companion to him and he always took him for long runs in the country until he became too sick to care for him. He was very sad when he had to give Basil up. There were many trips across the country, first East to visit his family and friends and then West to visit his son Eldon and his kids Triston and Trayton, whom he adored and referred to them as "sunny boy." Sometimes he would fly east but his best stories were when he drove with a friend or his daughter Teresa. He was in good company during the trips East with good friend Donny Wood, or heading West with Ron Smithson. Les will be sadly missed by his best friend Bob Ginter, whom he spent countless hours telling old stories to and spending time with. Les thought of Bob as a brother. Les' big green chair on 1st Street will remain empty but our hearts are filled with joy and happiness for all that knew him. Our father was an extraordinary man, with many family and friends that truly adored him. We will miss his laughter, his stories, his music, his kiss on the cheek but most of all his LOVE. A Celebration of Les' Life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on December 11, 2012 with Arlene Robertson officiating. Donations in memory of Les may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.