Johnson
Donnie Johnson was born on Aug. 30, 1946, in Calgary Ab. where he lived with his parents, Gunnar and Phyllis and older brother Doug until they moved home to the farm at Endiang when he was five.
He attended Endiang and Byemoor schools, but school was never a priority and half way through grade 9 he decided he was wasting his time and went to work on the farm.
At a ball game in Byemoor, he met Blanche and they were married in Red Deer on Dec. 19, 1972. They were blessed with two daughters, Stacie on Jan. 19, 1978 and Darla on May 10, 1981.
Donnie was never afraid of a little hard work. He spent many hours in the tractor working the land or helping out a neighbour when needed.
He always found time to fit in a baseball or hockey game, a curling bonspiel, hunting in the fall and summer salmon fishing trips in BC with family and friends.
Music was his first love and he could often be found with a guitar in his hands or picking out a tune on the piano. He never learned to read music, he played everything by ear.
Donnie was a member of the “Country Roads” band and along with Sonny and Irene Brooker and Clifton Tucker, played for countless dances all over the country.
In the last few years, he played with “Country Friends” entertaining at the Hanna Lodge.
After selling the farm, Donnie tried a few different jobs. He worked for the County of Stettler as the weed inspector, hauled methanol, drove the fuel truck for Shell, worked at GM changing oil and for Ledcor ploughing snow and hauling gravel.
Donnie was happy to finally have sons when Stacie and Travis were married in 2000 and then Darla and Eric in 2002. He was just as proud of them as he was of his girls.
There was nothing more important to him than his grandchildren. Aiden arrived in 2003, Ben in 2004, Brett in 2005, Olivia in 2007 and Maya in 2009.
He looked forward to cheering them on at all their hockey and baseball games, dance festivals, Jiu-jitsu and gymnastics.
Donnie passed away on Oct.20, 2018 at his home with his wife by his side. Donnie is lovingly survived by his wife Blanche, daughters Stacie (Travis) and Darla (Eric), grandchildren Aiden, Brett, Maya, Ben and Olivia, brother Doug (Deanna), sisters in law Orla and Pat and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Gunnar and Phyllis, brother-in-laws Ken and Mervin.
A celebration of Donnie’s life was held on Thurs. Oct. 25, 2018, at the Endiang Community Hall with Jack Hayden officiating.
Donations in memory may be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Parkinson Association of Alberta, S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of the donor’s choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, P.O. Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
