JOHNSON,
John Arnold “Arnie”
November 27, 1927 – February 22, 2014
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Arnie Johnson, 86, of Nanaimo, BC, peacefully at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Arnie was born in Coldstream, BC, eldest son of Kate & Jack Johnson. He moved to Nanaimo in his teen years to play hockey. He attended John Shaw High School, where he met his future wife, Elsie. They were married March 3, 1951 at St. Andrews United Church.
Arnie spent most of his working career in Nanaimo, including time at Malkins, Johnson Brothers Motors, Harmac, as Manager of Beban Park Arena, and Icemaker & Manager of the Nanaimo Curling Club. He also worked as Icemaker at the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver. A natural athlete, he played hockey, baseball and curled. He coached minor hockey and baseball in the community. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, dancing, travelling, and spending time with his family.
Arnie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elsie; his children: Jack, Dave (Kathy) and Valerie (Bill); his granddaughter, Erin; his sister, Linda (George); his sister-in-law, Dorothy (Neil); his nieces and nephews: Karen (Jamie), Michael (Gwen), Vicki (Kevin), Shannon (Bob), Martin and their families. He is predeceased by his brother, Neil (Dorothy), and Elsie’s sister, Dorothy (Bill).
A special thank you to all the caring nurses, doctors and staff at NRGH, Nanaimo Seniors Village, and Wexford Creek Care Facility.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 21, 2014 at 1 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, with refreshments to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, on Arnie’s behalf, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be offered at telfordn@shaw.ca