Roy Johnson

Roy Johnson passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the age of 91 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Rosemary; his two sons, Tim (Joy) and Todd (Kristein); five grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and family members throughout Canada and England.

Predeceased by his parents, Harold and Hilda Johnson, his three brothers, Denis, Harold and Leslie; and sister Elsie.

Roy was born in Leicester, England, and at over 14 lbs. at birth he was the largest baby on record born in England for many decades. Growing up in England meant he came of age during WWII, and with his 3 older brothers all serving actively, he was left to help at home with his mother and handicapped sister. After the war, he completed his sheet metal apprenticeship at Leicester Sheet Metal and then his mandatory military service. In 1958 with £5 in his pocket after his ship fare and train fare across Canada, he immigrated to Canada, landing in Camrose, Alberta. He met Rosemary Elaine Meredith in Red Deer and they embarked on a 60 year adventure together. Married in Red Deer on October 30th, 1965 they soon moved to Prince Rupert where Tim was born. Then back to Red Deer where they welcomed Todd. Eventually after short stops in Olds and Bowden they found their community in 1971 when they moved to Claresholm. Roy worked as a foreman at TrusJoist and Safeway Shelter Systems before opening his own business, Ranchland Heating and Sheet Metal with Rosemary. At first, Roy supplied the heating systems for Safeway, but after they closed he did both residential and commercial heating and sheet metal throughout the Claresholm area, including the AgriPlex and the Community Center. With the economic issues in Alberta in the early 1980’s, he started with the Alberta Corrections where he spent the rest of his working life. Though Roy was small in stature, he was big of heart and spirit, fearless to try anything and, with Rosemary beside him, an ardent servant and supporter of the Legion. He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. Thanks to the staff at Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre for their

kindness over the last six months of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that a donation be sent to the Alzheimer's Society of Calgary, 201, 222 – 58 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 in memory of Roy.