Johann S. Johnson

Our DAD

Johann Johnson

Written by Bryan Johnson

With immense sadness we announce that in the early evening of April 20th, 2018, a true heart of gold stopped beating.

He was predeceased by his parents Thorvaldur “Beggi” and Steinunn Johnson as well as his son Jasper. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Marilyn; sister Anna; son Bryan (Pam); son Edward (Pam); daughter Karen (Andy); granddaughters Kyleigh, Heida (Cory); Jori (Viva) and Ella; grandsons Zach and Liam, Carter, Jaxon and Parker; and his great grandson Nathan.

Dad proudly lived his entire life in Gimli. From the shores of New Iceland, Dad would spend his working career on the family dairy farm.

Along with working hard, Dad enjoyed many pleasures. Dad was a devoted bridge player. Although he rarely spoke of his skill level we all knew who the master was.

Another of Dad’s passions was curling. Many of the stories Dad would tell started in the setting of a curling rink. However, none of the stories were based on the skill of either game. His stories were always developed around the characters and friends made on his journey. 

For all of us who knew Dad, we knew that he was able to accomplish so many things, from getting his pilots license, to earning a spot on Municipal council.

Now, let me talk about the man we will all miss.

In a time when the world is becoming devoid of true kindness, we are struggling to say good bye to the kindest, most gentle man, we have ever known.  

I recall as young boy, leaning on the box of a half ton with my Dad, talking with some of his friends after a long day in the hay field. I was introduced to the group, and my Dad was asked if I was “one of his”. I was Dad’s oldest son, but the fact always remained that I was adopted. With that question my Dad looked at me, then looked back at the group and said, “I have four children, two are adopted, and I can’t remember which two.”   

Those words have been etched in my mind from that moment forward. To have such grace, justly defines the heart of gold I loved.

In the time we were blessed to spend with Dad, we learned how to look for the best in people and find it, and how to enjoy the little things in life because they end up being the big things.

Our dad kept his relationships tidy, and the driveway into the farm was always clear, and available to anyone who wanted to use it.  

Those who know the dairy business know that you can’t get away and travel when ever you desire. So, Dad couldn’t vacation and see the world the way most people do today. This was just fine with him. Dad lived his life knowing that you don’t have to see the world to be worldly. Treat people the way you would want to be treated, and the world will come right to your kitchen window.

Our Dad was always quick to recite poetry. One of dad’s favorite poems aptly describes how he lived.

I shot an arrow into the air,

It fell to earth, I knew not where:

For, so swiftly it flew, the sight

Could not follow it in it’s flight.

I breathed a song into the air,

It fell to earth I knew not where:

For who has sight so keen and strong,

That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak,

I found the arrow, still unbroke:

And the song, from beginning to end,

I found again in the heart of a friend.

Good bye to our Dad, Husband, Brother and Afi. Your strength and kindness are unparalleled. We will think of you when the birds are singing, and the hay is being cut, or when its time to tap the trees in the spring. We will forever love you and forever miss you.

How much do we love you? A bushel and a peck.

Love Bryan, Edward, Karen and mom.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johann S. Johnson, please visit our floral store.