Vern “Doug” Johnson
Vern “Doug” Johnson, 69, of Lantzville, BC, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 29th, 2016 at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Doug was born August 13th, 1947 in Calgary, Alberta to Vern and Alice Johnson.
He graduated from Viscount Bennett high school in 1965. He worked at White Ram Knitting and played in a band called, “Keith and the Variations.” He worked for his dad and later became owner of Vern’s decorating with Keith homes until he was forced to stop due to illness. Doug lived in Calgary for 38 years before moving to Vancouver Island in 1995. He loved the ocean, golf, movies, collecting memorabilia and cheering on sports teams in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Doug was a loving father, grandfather and friend to all. Doug is survived by his partner, of 20+ years, Mary Barker, children Natalie (David) Spevakow of Kelowna and Chad (Lisa) Johnson of Edmonton, grandchildren Jeremy and Lainey Johnson, Jordan and Kate Spevakow, the mother of his children Diana Johnson of Calgary, Mary’s Son Bob Barker (spouse Ellie Burchill) of Royston B.C., Mary’s grandchildren Brett and Kari Barker, nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his 3 brothers; Keith, Larry and Roland.
A private celebration of life for immediate family will be held at the beach in Lantzville, B.C. at a later date. The family would like to send a special thank you to Mary for the years of loving care and support she has given Doug and to the many nurses who have visited Doug at his home during his illnesses.
In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.