Brian Gordon Johnson

Brian Gordon Johnson was born on November 27, 1950, in Camrose, Alberta. He was the eldest of four children and is survived by his sisters Linda (Arnold) and Nancy, and his brother Wayne (Colleen). He was predeceased by both his mother Doris Rostaing (Bernard), and father Gordon Johnson.

Brian spent his early childhood in Saskatchewan, where he developed a deep affection for the big prairie sky. Following the sudden death of his father, the family returned to Camrose in 1960, where ten-year-old Brian was supported by family and friends, particularly his great-grandmother, Mildred Johnson. He graduated from Camrose Composite High School in 1968 and moved to Edmonton, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Botany and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta.

Intermittently throughout his career, Brian taught both elementary and high school in various locations across Alberta. He also worked in construction, specializing in ceramic tile installation. Known for his precision and quality craftsmanship, Brian was handy and detail-focused.

Brian and Colleen eloped in 1972 and had three children: Heather (Tom), Jeffrey(Korinne), and Christopher Neal (Crystal).  Brian was a dedicated, hands-on father, taking his children skating, biking, camping, and on long nature walks. He was equally devoted to his five grandchildren—Jayden (Nakayliah), Drew, Elise, Meghan, and Luke—and loved dressing up in costumes, reading books in funny voices and watching movies. Brian travelled with his children to Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, the Pacific Northwest and across Canada. He took up downhill skiing on his 65th birthday so he could join his grandchildren on the slopes.

Brian was well-known for his ability to talk to anyone about anything, making him friendly, approachable and well-liked. He was a self-proclaimed "hippy degenerate" who played the guitar and embraced the 1960s counterculture. He maintained a pescatarian diet, practiced meditation, and was well-read with a keen interest in existential and metaphysical questions. Brian also held a deep kindness and love for animals, sharing close companionship with family dogs, Molly, Dali, and Dude. All three crossed the rainbow bridge with him by their side.

Brian spent the final year of his life in Calgary, living with his children and battling cancer. During this time, he took a family trip to Nova Scotia, went camping, took neighbourhood dog walks, ate lots of dessert and spent quality time with his grandchildren, including brand new baby Luke. Brian’s greatest wish—to have his three children and their families with him—was fulfilled. They were all at his bedside in the days leading up to his final breaths.

Brian is fondly remembered by members of his extended family, and Colleen’s extended family as well as many friends and acquantainces. He requested that no formal celebration of life be held. Donations to Prairie Pets Rescue (prairiepetsrescue.com) can be made on Brian’s behalf.

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