Wilfred Gordon Johnson, 89

Peacefully on Friday March 27, 2009 at the Rainy River Health Centre, Wilfred Johnson of Gameland, Ont passed away at the age of 89.
Wilf was born February 23, 1920 in Blue Twp, Ont to the late August and Lilha Johnson. He enlisted in the army and after the war he returned to the area and began logging. Wilf met Jean Betts and were united in marriage, settling in North Branch for a short period, later moving to Gameland, Ont, where he remained until his passing.
Wilf later worked for the Department of Highways as a laborer and equipment operator, Department of Natural Resources as a foreman for Junior Rangers at the Lake of The Woods Provincial Park. His last years of work before retirement was as a school bus driver for the Board of Education.
Wilf enjoyed growing gardens, doing mechanical work on his old tractors and motors. He enjoyed playing the accordion and mouth organ for his friends at the senior gatherings. An extremely sharp memory of the past eighty plus years was the basis of the stories he told to friends and strangers alike.
Wilf is survived by his son Lee of Gameland, brothers Roy (Jocelyn) of Winnipeg, MB, Charlie (Ilene) of Sleeman, Ont, and sisters Grace Proteau of Rainy River, Ont, Ruth Rogoza of Fort Frances, Ont, and Shirley (Roy) Gadd of London, Ont, sister in law Della Pollard of Eagle River, Ont, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents August and Lilha, wife Jean, infant son Gordon, brother Wesley (Dolsie), and brother in laws Matt Rogoza, Ed Proteau, and Eugene Pollard.
Family and friends were received at the Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, Ont on Monday March 30, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Bergland Community Hall on Tuesday March 31, 2009 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Carolyn Kreger officiating. Interment will take place in Pineridge Cemetery, North Branch, Ont at a later date.
Pall bearers were Larry Johnson, Bob Johnson, Philip Pollard, Gordon Pollard, Glen Wise and Jack Armstrong.
If desired memorial donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.0. Box 89, Emo, Ontario P0W 1E0
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com