Wilson JOHNSTON

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JOHNSTON: Wilson. On Thursday, August 29, 2013 I lost the love of my life. We had many happy years together traveling, Friday night dinners out, doing activities that we both enjoyed together and taking interest in our home. Then several years ago Wilson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and as time went by his disease progressed and life became very difficult for him. However, he took his disability in stride and never complained. There were many hospital visits and health scares but the goal was always to come home which he did until the last time. This is where he felt comfortable and loved. Wilson was born on October 10, 1931 to Harriet and Ernest Johnston at home in the R.M. of Minto. He grew up on a farm in the Clanwilliam area. His parents bought a café in Clanwilliam and Wilson helped out there until a friend encouraged him to come and work on the railroad. This worked well until he and Mavis planned to get married. Wilson decided that he didn’t like working odd hours and moving from one location to another. They were married on August 19, 1960 and began their life together in Brandon. Wilson started working for J and G construction as a painter and worked there for about fourteen years. During that time he attended school in Winnipeg and earned his Journeyman’s papers at the trade of painting and decorating. In the summer of 1972 he started working for the Department of National Defence as a painter and retired from Shilo in 1990. Over the years Wilson had many interests, the most significant of those was traveling, of which we did as much as possible. Our trips included Alaska, Eastern Canada and many trips west to BC with stops in Banff and Jasper. We traveled to several European countries and several Caribbean countries and Hawaii. Cruises were also a favourite. But we didn’t need to go far away – programs at our own auditorium and in Winnipeg were of interest to both of us. For many years he enjoyed going to the “Y”. In good weather he and friend Ralph would walk there, exercise, swim and enjoy coffee with other friends before they walked back home. For a few winters he enjoyed ten pin bowling. Wilson spent a lot of time reading – always factual material including National Geographic, Life magazine and the newspapers. Friday night dining out was a must for about fifty years until due to his Parkinson’s disease he had to receive his nutrition by tube feeding. He enjoyed working around home and always kept things in good repair. He also liked yard work and cooking and he said whoever cooks needs to do the shopping. Wilson enjoyed camping and hiking much of what we did was at Clear Lake. Another activity that we enjoyed together was biking around Brandon and we did make a trip to Grand Valley. His final physical activity was his daily walk around the block which he looked forward to at about 6:00 p.m. had it not been for a fall he had on August 6th we would still be making that daily trip. Wilson is survived by his wife Mavis, nephews Barry (Sylvia) Johnston, David (Sandy) Johnston, nieces Sharon (Tom) Korneluk, Kim (Brent) Macsymach, Dana (Jeff) Ganter, cousin Wendell (Mavis) Johnston and special second cousin Melvin Johnston as well as many more relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his mother in 1981, his father in 1983 and his brother in 2002. Wilson was an easy going, mild mannered, wonderful person dearly loved by his wife Mavis of fifty-three years. A come and go reception was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, September 6, 2013. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Wilson may be made to Parkinson Society Manitoba, 7 – 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2 or to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17th Street East, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 14, 2013