Maurice G. JOHANSEN

1935 - 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Dad, Maurice Johansen on January 8, 2023 at the Victoria Hospice.
Maurice was born on October 8, 1935, in Sandefjord, Norway, and came to Canada with his family in 1952 when they took the train across Canada to Victoria, BC.
He was predeceased by his wife Lorette Michaelis Johansen (2022), his parents Grant (1997) and Mathilde (2002), and his brother Leif (2009).
Maurice is survived by his loving and devoted children Gary (Marilyn), Kevin, Steve (Cynthia), Cindy (Troy), and Sandra, and his eleven grandchildren. Also, by his brothers Alf (Angela), Rolf (Dawn) and Frank (Tem), numerous nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children Hazel. He was a loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Brother. Family was everything to him.
As a young man he enjoyed camping, fishing and boating with his family. He was also a fantastic Ballroom dancer and a pretty good 5-pin bowler. He enjoyed growing veggies in his garden, keeping the hummingbirds fed through the winters and was quite proud of being a firewood scavenger. If a tree fell in Oak Bay he heard it! He was also good with his hands and if something needed to be built or fixed he could do it. His knowledge of history could have qualified him as a history professor and, if you had some time to kill, all you would have to do is mention something about politics!
When the family arrived in Victoria his father opened The Scandinavian Bakery. After doing some odd jobs, Maurice went to work at the bakery until he had the opportunity to go to sea. Some of the ships he served on were the Wm. J. Stewart as deckhand, Camsell moving up the ranks from deckhand to bos'n, and Estevan as 3rd officer. While serving on Sir James Douglas as 2nd officer he received his Master's Home Trade certification and became Chief Officer. He was eventually promoted to Captain of the Coast Guard Cutter Racer in 1971.
In 1982 Maurice left the Coast Guard to become a Pilot with the British Columbia Pilotage Authority where he aided all types of vessels in the safe navigation of our coastal waters. His career as a Pilot lasted for 18 years and ended with his retirement in 2000. His retirement party was a grand event held in Vancouver.
He remained connected with his Norwegian roots. For over sixty-five years he was a dedicated member of the Sons of Norway organization, providing assistance with events and anything else needed by Norway House. His efforts and contributions at the hall will be missed. The friends and relationships with members were an incredibly important part of his life.
Dad, you will be sadly missed by all your family, your many friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay St. Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8
A Celebration of Maurice's Life will take place at 1:30pm on March 18th, 2023 at Norway House, 1110 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC.