Bernard JOHNSON

1923 - 2022

BERNARD JOHNSON Brigadier General ABC "Johnny" Johnson August 24, 1923 - November 26, 2022 Died peacefully on November 26th at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton at the age of 99. Bernard, also commonly called Johnny, was born in Simcoe Ontario. In 1941, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the RCAF, trained as a pilot then sailed to England where he served with 170 RAF Sqn. as a fighter-reconnaissance pilot on Mustangs, and later as an instructor at an advanced flying unit. After four years he returned to Canada and flew flying boats with 413 Sqn, mostly in the Arctic, in support of the Geodetic Survey, and on notable Search and Rescue missions, after which he served with 424 Fighter Sqn, Mt Hope. Later postings included a tour on Directing Staff of the Air Force College. On promotion to General rank, he was Chief of Staff of Canadian Air Defense Command, North Bay, and later served in the USA as Deputy Commander of two Regions of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). He retired from the RCAF in 1978 after 37 years service, and for a number of years was a Director in the administration at McMaster University, after which he was self-employed as a consultant. He was a former Director of the Ontario Committee of the Air Cadet League. Blessed with an active intellectual curiosity into advanced age, his wide-ranging interests included photography, genealogy (with a particular interest in British "Home Children"), writing and learning in general. Predeceased by Joan, a British warbride, his loving wife of 69 years; his brother, Vernon; and his daughter, Yvonne. He leaves son, Neville (Kim); daughter, Wendy; and niece, Justine Simpson of England. The family wish to sincerely thank caregiver, Janice Wells, for her superb level of support and comfort. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at a date to be announced.