Leslie Johnson

JOHNSON _ Leslie Gilbert On Sunday, January 18, 2009 Leslie Gilbert Johnson passed away in the Nipawin Hospital, Nipawin, SK. Leslie was born in Nipawin and his first home was west of Codette. He first attended school in Codette and in 1950 completed his education in Carrot River. At eighteen years of age he joined the Queens Own Rifles of Canada, later called the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry when the Queens Own was disbanded and carried on in a twenty-two year career with the Army retiring as a sergeant. He received a Canadian Decoration Medal and a NATO Medal for work in peace time. He traveled to places like Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Cypress and Tangiers, Africa. After retiring from the Army he was employed by the City of Calgary and very quickly advanced to a supervisory position. He worked in the Water and Sewage Department as well as in Utilities and Environmental Protection for twenty-two years. In 1993 Les suffered his first heart attack and underwent triple bypass surgery and in 1999 he faced cancer in the esophagus for the first time and underwent surgery. In 1999 he also suffered the loss of his first wife Lillian. In 2000 he retired and moved back home to Codette, to a hopefully more relaxing life for him and his dog Ebony. In 2002 Les met and married Elaine Gilbert (Hluchaniuk). They were able to get involved with old-time dancing in the area; the Legion, the Codette Seniors Centre and he served as a councilor for the Village of Codette. Everywhere he went he made many new friends and renewed acquaintances. His passion however, became boating and fishing and they and Ebony spent hours on Codette Lake. Ebony's hair changed from a black color to brown one summer from all the sun. In 2005 Les suffered a second heart attack. In April 2007 he had cancer of the brain surgery and again in April of 2008. In December of 2008 more brain tumors were found and not operable this time. On January 18 Les lost his long and courageous battle with cancer. Throughout all the surgeries he always maintained his sense of humor and determination and even though he was physically powered down "Les was still Les". He continued to enjoy entertaining as only Les could do. Les was predeceased by his parents George and Maggie Johnson, his first wife Lillian, brother Carl Dahl, sister-in-law Charlotte Dahl, uncles Ole Johnson, Harald Jensen, Elmo Jensen and Floyd Jensen; aunts Dora Demsey, Ester Dahl, Agnes Batley, Anna Sprague, Marie Engle, Gertrude Baird, Daphny Lowden, Lillian Baird, Caroline Gundersen, Ruth Johnson and Beatrice McConnell; brother-in-law Bill Mickelson and his wonderful dog Ebony. Les is survived by his loving wife Elaine, his son Brian Johnson and grandchildren Brandon Johnson and Rebecca Johnson; daughter Judy Johnson and grandchildren Amanda Morel and Keith Morel; brothers Earl (Helen) Dahl and Raymond (Darlene) Johnson; sister Yelva Mickelson and twin sister Louise (Ervin) Shannon; Uncle Henry Batley and Aunt Alta Mickelson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbours. Now the Life of the Party Has Gone Next Door!!!!!!! Funeral Service was held at the United Church in Nipawin, Saskatchewan on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Judy MacGillivary officiating. Les was laid to rest in the Elk Hill Cemetery, west of Codette, SK. Memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or charity of one's choice. Final arrangements entrusted to HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME of Nipawin, Saskatchewan.