Douglas Grant JOHNSON

JOHNSON, Douglas Grant
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Douglas Grant Johnson, cherished husband of Pam Petrin, at the age of 59, on August 10, 2015 in Edmonton, peacefully and surrounded by family. Born in Hanna on October 16, 1955, to the late Charles Edward and Frances Anne (Harvey) Johnson.
Doug was a charter member of the Drayton Valley Kinsmen club, later serving as deputy governor, district service director and president of the Fort Edmonton club. Known as "Dougie J," he was a moving force in Kinsmen, personally heading the fundraising effort for Cystic Fibrosis and doubling the club's contribution. One of his proudest accomplishments as president was helping raise the $100,000 for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Club of Edmonton to start construction of its new building.
Always dedicated to serving his community, Doug worked tirelessly as a town councillor in Gibbons, including 12 years as Deputy Mayor. One of his personal highlights was travelling to Daigo-machi in Japan, Gibbons' sister city, where he stayed with local families and gained a deep appreciation for the benefits of international economic and cultural exchange.
During his lifelong career with the Royal Bank of Canada, he worked all over Alberta, but never in Calgary, which was a surprise to friends who had to contend with his passion for his beloved Stampeders and Flames. A proud and courageous Calgary fan, he bought season tickets to Eskimos games, holding his own while surrounded by friends who were Edmonton supporters.
Doug's adventurous spirit led him to take his chances as a pioneer in the world of online dating circa 1998, where he met the love of his life, Pam Petrin. For their first date, they chose dim sum followed by skating outdoors at the Alberta Legislature. When they married on January 29, 2005 – exactly five years from their first date – it was similarly on skates at the Legislature with a dim sum reception. A hopeless romantic, Doug ingeniously found ways to express his affection through surprises, including gifts, colourful bouquets, and uniquely thoughtful vacations. For each of their 10 anniversaries, Pam and Doug always had a sleigh ride at Lake Louise, along with days of skiing and relaxing at the Chateau.
Another of Doug's great loves was golfing, through which he forged many deep friendships, including a group of buddies from an annual trip to Montana, co- workers from the Royal Bank, and neighbours surrounding Pam and Doug's property at Lac Ste Anne.
An avid golfer to the end, Doug was thrilled to be able to play 40 rounds of golf this summer during and after undergoing chemotherapy. After Doug was diagnosed in December, he and Pam enthusiastically tackled their bucket list, fulfilling dreams of seeing the icebergs in Newfoundland and taking a horse and carriage tour of Central Park in New York on Valentine's Day, organized by Doug as a surprise.
In true Doug fashion, he made the most of his time remaining and lived life fully up until late July, when he was hospitalized briefly before spending his final days at home, visiting with family and friends.
He will be missed by his wife, Pamela Petrin, stepdaughter, Robyn Syvret (Levi Osler); brothers Lyle (Donna), Lethbridge; Ronald, Mazatlan, Mexico; Russell (Joan) Canberra, Australia; Garry (Patty), Hanna; and his favourite sister, Carol Johnson (John Van Dorp) Red Deer.
The memory of "Uncle Bug" will also be cherished by his nephews and nieces and their families: Carmen Johnson, Shannon Pratt, Ryan Johnson, Shelley Johnson, Robyn Johnson, Nakiya Morrissey, Laura Johnson, Christopher Johnson and Scott Johnson.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Doctor Brian Wirzba at Grey Nuns Community Hospital for his excellent care.
A celebration of Doug's life will be held in the town of Gibbons at Landing Trail School, 5301 37th Ave on Saturday, August 15 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests charitable donations to the Boys and Girls, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Edmonton and area. BGCBigs, 9425 109A Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 1G1.