Samuel "Fred" Johnson

It is with heavy hearts we the Reilly family announce the passing of our father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather on November 19, 2012 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre from complications related to pneumonia at the age of 84 years.In his early years, Dad worked on the S.S. Maronyk sailing the Great Lakes and for the CNR working on the steam locomotives before joining the Port Arthur Fire Department in 1957, retiring in 1987 after thirty years of service.In 1948, he married the love of his life Elinor (Noonie) Laye and together they raised me while building their home on Hanley Street and their cottage at Hawkeye Lake with the help of his brothers-in-law Herb and George. Dad, Mom and I spent many happy hours at Hawkeye Lake where you would often hear him shout "Ahoy" to any passing boaters. Dad also spent many happy hours at the 55 Plus Centre, and was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 5 where he made many special friends.When I married Lloyd in 1974 he was immediately accepted as a member of the family. Dad was overjoyed with the arrival of his two grandsons Benjamin (Krissy), and Matthew (Desiree) who then presented him with three beautiful great granddaughters: Ella, Kaija and Madison whom he loved dearly and he cherished our family gatherings. Dad also took great pride in being the host at the yearly gathering of "The Seniors Group" at Hawkeye.Dad is also survived by his sister-in-law Myrtle Laye, nephew Steve Laye, niece Carol Chabot, and nephew Joe Johnston and their families. Dad was predeceased by mom in April of 1995, parents Charlotte and Fred Johnson, sister Anne Duggan, mother-in-law and father-in-law Ben and Emily Laye, brother-in-law Herb Laye, sister-in-law Edith Laye, nephew John Laye, brothers-in-law George Laye, and Donald Johnston.A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th, 2012 at the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street in the visitation room. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Dad's memory to the 2012 Thunder Bay Fire Fighters' Toys for Tots Campaign.On-line condolences maybe offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca "