Skip to content

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and papa, Lars Johnson on November 9, 2010.

Lars was born in Norquay, Saskatchewan on April 26, 1930 to parents Lars and Laura Johnson. He was raised on a farm with eight brothers and sisters.

Growing up in the 1930’s and during the depression had it’s challenges and hardships. In order to survive, you had to work hard. This work ethic was instilled in Lars at a very young age. It was this attribute that made him the hard working many that he was.

At the age of 25, he left the farm and came to Quesnel looking for a change and adventure.

He worked various jobs until eventually he was hired with the school board working as a carpenter, a janitor and eventually he retired as a painter in 1995 at the age of 64.

Although retired, he could never sit still. He was always looking for odd jobs to help keep him busy.

Lars measured the strength of a man by how hard he worked. This coming from a many of great dignity and pride made it a real compliment if he acknowledged you as a hard working person.

Lars met and married his beloved wife Shirley in 1958 and together they raised five children. Their children were their life and their grandchildren the light of their lives. He was known as Papa to his grandchildren as well as many others, and he had a special relationship with each of them.

Although Lars left the farm, his farming roots never left him. He took great pride in planting and caring for his garden and was very generous with everything he grew. He loved animals with a passion and often spoke of his work horses on the farm. His dogs were his pride and joy and he always had to have one or two around. When he wasn’t in his garden you might find him at the casino. He loved to try his luck at striking it rich from time to time. He also loved to go for long drives in the country or day trips to Prince George. He could often be seen out walking over town in the early hours of the morning getting his exercise. He often said it was a good time to think.

He will be remembered for many things, but his sense of humour will always be first and foremost. He was known as a jokester, a trickster and a teaser. He loved to laugh and he loved to make people laugh. Even though life became difficult for him, he never lost his sense of humour. He kept us laughing right to the end.

A beautiful life that came to an end. He died as he lived, everyone’s friend.

In our heart a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget.

Lars is survived by his children Evie (Ernie) Bassett, Dwayn (Wendy) Johnson, Lae-Vern Doherty, Renai (Randy) Miles, grandchildren Kylie (Cameron) Leeson, Brandi (Dennis) Warren, Shirley Ann (Patrick) Robinson, Amanda (Jeff) Kunkel, Trinity, Bradley, Kybran Miles, great grandchildren Chase and Jersey Leeson, Lily Robinson, brothers Gill, Orville, Norman and sister Agnes as well as many nieces and nephews. Lars was predeceased by his son Lars James in 2006 and his beloved wife Shirley in 2008.

Thank you to G.R. Baker nurses, Dr. Fine, Dr. VanDyke, Clayton’s Funeral Home, Bishop Olsen, friends and family for all your love and support and a special thank you to the staff at Maple House who have been a big part of Lars’ life these last few years and have become his other family. We are grateful to all of you angels.