Allan passed away after a brief illness on March 8 in the company of his son Mark.
Allan was born in Central Alberta. His parents brought him to Vancouver as a boy. He joined the RCMP upon graduation from Britannia High, and after training in Regina was stationed in Central Alberta for 3 1/2 years. He met the local schoolteacher in Innisfail and they started dating. In 1958, Allan joined the Calgary Police Service and married girlfriend Marcia the following year. She was the love of his life.
Allan worked in various sections within the Calgary Police, working up the ranks from Constable to Detective to General Investigations to Homicide, Robbery, Fraud, and then supervisory roles as District Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, and eventually Inspector in charge of Special Crimes, CIU, Strike Force, and Chief’s Executive Officer. He was District Commander for two districts and Traffic Commander for the last four years, including tenure during the 1988 Winter Olympics. He loved his career and the people and stories that went with it, and received special commendation from Chief Brian Sawyer.
Allan retired from Calgary following the Olympics “on a high” — his first retirement — and moved to Lethbridge Alberta, where he worked for the Solicitor General for four years as an architect and special advisor to the new Blood Tribe Police Service, the first aboriginal police agency in Canada. After four years of successful operation, it was time for Allan to move on. In 1994 the family moved to Victoria, where they enjoyed travel and time with friends and family.
Marcia suffered a bad stroke from an aneurysm back in 1989, and while in hospital received a blood transfusion contaminated with Hepatitis C. Allan and Mark cared for Marcia as her health declined until her death in 2010. Caring for Marcia was the greatest challenge and act of devotion of Allan’s life. He was heroic.
More recently, Allan took delight in spending quality time with son Mark and friends Barry and Dolores, reading, sharing jokes online with old colleagues, riding his bike, and enjoying good food with family and friends.
Allan is survived by his son Mark, brother Holger, brother-in-law Joe Sadowski, and extended family. He is predeceased by his wife Marcia (Krause), father Hilding, mother Marta (Eriksson), sisters Doreen (Sadowski) and Joyce (Andersen), and brother Helge.
Thank you to the paramedics and the team at RJH Emergency for your dedication and kindness.
There will be no funeral service, at Allan’s request. In his memory, the family asks that you consider making a charitable donation to Legacy Place Society: https://legacyplacesociety.com/about/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Barry & Dolores Bell
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albert J. Seinen Albert Seinen
Dear Mark and family.
My condolences and sympathy to you in the passing on of Allan. I will always treasure his acquaintance and miss his little emails and contacts.
All of us will miss him very much but will treasure his memory.
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Lorna Clement My deepest condolences Mark. I was also a friend of your mother. We had so much fun in Innisfail when the guys were stationed there. Many fond memories, your Dad was a good man.
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Theodore (TED) Hesch Once again Mark and family I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I have known him since 1958
when I first got transferred to Innisfail when he was still in the RCMP. He was a great guy
to work with and as a young member taught me a lot about police work as Innisfail was the first
detachment I was employed at. He and Gary Clement and myself lived in a rooming house together
until Al got transferred. I have kept in touch with him through the years and was in their
wedding party when Al and Marcia got married. Al was a great asset and done an exemplary job
when he was in the Calgary City Police. I will miss his emails and contact with him.
Rest in Peace my friend.
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John Henderson It is a deep shock to realize that Al Johansson, who was so sincere,earnest,loyal and self- sacrificing has passed to the great beyond! His spirit and influence will abide with us and his example will be with us for many years! My deepest sympathies are sent to you Mark and your family members!
We’ve had to take some time to process Allan’s passing before being able to write this. He was a Big Man, in all senses of that term. Obviously a devoted, loving father and husband, Allan was also a solid, dependable friend. We spent many memorable, fun times in his and Mark’s company. Allan lived life on his terms and in a such a good-natured way, sharing insightful observations – usually accompanied by his excellent sense of humour.
We were blessed to get to know Allan, and our Eddie and Mikey (aka The Kitties) loved his gentle, playful touch. He is missed by us all. Allan, you’ll always be in our hearts.