It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Charles Johnson on August 15, 2009 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, BC.
Len was born in Kamloops on August 27, 1920 and lived at Vinsulla, north of Kamloops. He is survived by his daughter Betty Peters (Norm) and his son Glenn Johnson (Rosalee), grandsons Leroy Peters (Bernadine) and Lennard Johnson (Orlena), grandaughter Sandra Johnson and great grandchildren Jessica and John Peters, Spencer Johnson, and Shelby, Taylor and Cassie Johnson. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Lucy Johnson, his three brothers, Dick, George and Ed, his wife Doris of 51 years in 1994 and his grandson, Dale Peters in 1995.
Len married Doris Devick in 1943 and ranched at Sullivan Valley from 1943 to 1956 where their two children were born. In 1956 they moved to Rayleigh so the children could attend public school. Len worked at the Kamloops Stockyards and for the BC Government on rodent patrol covering a large area of the interior of BC. He also farmed and owned property at Heffley Lake and eventually moved to Heffley Lake in 1971 where he and Doris had built a new home.
Len was a charter member of the North Thompson Fall Fair beginning in 1949; a 4-H member and leader competing in the Provincial Winter Fair; a contributor to the Williams Lake Bull Show and Sale and a volunteer at the Kamloops Provincial Bull Sale and Fat Stock Show; a member of the BC and Canadian Hereford Association; a member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association; and secretary-treasurer of the Kamloops Stockmen’s Association.
Len was a pitcher for many years in the North Thompson and Kamloops softball leagues, as well as a minor ball and hockey coach. He was an avid gardener all his life picking up seeds and plants whenever he travelled bringing them home to plant in his gardens. He was very dedicated to his family ensuring they were provided for well into the future by educating them about the grassroots of agriculture including raising livestock, growing vegetables and flowers.
A celebration of life will take place at Glenn Johnson’s home at Heffley Lake at 6225 Lake Bay Road on Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 p.m.
A special thank you to the nurses on 6 South and 3 West at Royal Inland Hospital for taking care of Grampa these last few weeks.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Len Johnson to the North Thompson Fall Fair (Building Fund) at Box 873, Barriere BC, V0E 1E0. Arrangements have been entrusted to Personal Alternative Funeral Services 250.554.2324