Victor Lionel Johnson

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father, Victor Lionel Johnson on November 27th, 2009 at the age of 69 years. Vic was born on December 26th, 1939 in Tisdale and spent his childhood years in Fossten and Salt Coats, SK.  Upon his family moving to Moose Jaw in 1958, Vic entered the Psychiatric Nursing program at the Saskatchewan Training School, now known as Valley View Centre.  After graduating, he continued on as a nurse, and later as a nursing supervisor until his retirement from Valley View in 1994.  Vic was highly regarded and well respected by both the staff and the many residents that he cared for throughout his 35 year career. During his early years at Valley View, Vic met the true love of his life; Viola, whom he married on July 7th, 1962.  Vic and Vi soon started their family and enjoyed sharing numerous weekends and holidays with their extended family and close friends.  Vic was always looking for a reason to load up the motorhome or the big red van and head on down the highway for another weekend of stories and memories.  Vic’s passion was the outdoors, and he believed in living life to the fullest; a trait that he tried to pass on to all he knew.  He enjoyed years of canoe trips, camping, fishing, golf and curling.  He was a true environmentalist, recycling everything long before it became popular, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of nature with his kids and their kids.  He was the type of man and father that every boy should aspire to become.  He was never too busy to lend a hand, to read a story or to just sit and listen.  He was everybody’s best friend.  Vic and Vi continued to share every moment of their lives together until deteriorating health issues eventually led to his placement in Guardian Grove in 2003, and her untimely death in 2004. Although his time with us was stolen away long before his recent passing, we all know that he is in a better place, together again with mom.  They are truly “two souls, one love, together forever” now.  He will be lovingly remembered by his three children, Stacey (Doug), Darren (Rhona) and Nicole (Troy); and his grandchildren; Cassandra, Paige, Liam, Ethan and Ewan.  He is survived by his siblings; Denis (Ron), Al (Diane), Richard (Laraine), Don (Gerry) and Carmie (Alex) and by his brothers in law; Fred (Sandy) and Walter, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He will be deeply missed by his and Vi’s lifelong friends; Lindsay, Lorraine, Laval, Denise and their families; as well as the many friends he made throughout the years. A celebration of Victor’s life will be held on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 2:00 pm in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. The children would like to thank the staff of Guardian Grove and Raphael Wing for the care and compassion they provided for dad throughout his years in Providence Place.  We would also like to thank James from Moose Jaw Funeral Home for his guidance and help in making all our untraditional requests become possible.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a contribution to the charity of your choice in dad’s name.