Fred passed away in Victoria after a short and rapid decline.
Survived by wife his Elizabeth (nee Martin) and children Dale (Chris), Terry (Norman), Lynn (Linda) and Eric (Heather) and eight much loved grandchildren (Erika, Alex, Peter, Cicely, Addy, Eva, Logan and Holly) and one great wee one, Zephyr (and one pending) plus older brother Roy Johnson. Pre-deceased by parents Waldemar and Agnes (Olsen), sisters Borghild, Eva and Dolly and brother Harold.
Fred was born in Prince Rupert and spent his early years on Digby Island with many other Norwegian families and cousins. Fred and Liz were high school sweethearts, married young and started a family in Prince Rupert where Fred worked for the power company. After Tech School in Nanaimo, Fred made a career working as a heavy-duty mechanic in Victoria for various automotive and service firms and finished his career with Telus.
On retirement Fred and Liz moved to Chemainus and spent 24 years enjoying the smaller town life and being closer to the summer lake life. In the past few years, they returned to Victoria and shared a home with Lynn and Linda. “Helping” with the gardening, the chickens and walking the dogs kept him busy enough.
Fred and Liz had a loving life together for over 70 years and were always encouraging to their family to live and love well. Fred enjoyed 50 years of fun and chores at the property on Marble Bay, Cowichan Lake, providing the family with wonderful summers of swimming, rowing, sailing and skiing. His last water ski session was at 80 years young. Fred rode a motorcycle until he was 80 as well (he was more afraid of dropping the Goldwing than being out on the road).
A celebration of life will be held later in the spring.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jane Wrinch and James Downey
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Darryl Johnson Aunty and cousins I send my sincerest condolences. Although I have not seen any of you in many many years I have many fond memories of summer days spent at Cowichan canoeing and playing on the shore (still can’t swim worth a hoot, but it was fun).
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love you lots,
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Eunice Jones I’m sending this on behalf of my mother, Eunice Jones. She remembers you, Elizabeth, and Fred with great fondness from your many years in Chemainus at Station Ridge Estates. You are in her thoughts and prayers. – Anne Mauchline
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SusanLothrop I only know Lynn professionally, however she impacted my life positively. I understand her pain right now and I am extending my deep sympathy for the entire family.
Sincerely
Susan Lothrop
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Joe Barrett Dear Eric and family,
Sending my thoughts and condolenses to you at the loss of your dad, father-in-law and grandfather.
Hugs to you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Joe Barrett
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Pauline (Ronald deceased) betty Dakin Liz,
I was saddened to read about Fred’s passing. He was a kind and gentle person who I know will be
missed very much. You and your family will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.Sincerely,
Pauline Dakin, (VCS Buddy).
We were very late to hear this news. Very sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful father, Eric. We sure enjoyed our times at the lake with the Simonson gang, with Liz and Fred supervising the younger crowds. Our thoughts are with you.