Wayne Johnson

Wayne Johnson

December 16, 1934 – April 27, 2021

It is with profound sadness that we share that our loving husband, father and grandfather, Wayne Coleburn Johnson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the age of 86.  Wayne always brought joy to the simple activities of life, and he will be forever remembered and loved by the many friends and family that had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing life with him.

Wayne was born December 16, 1934 and grew up on the family farm in Zealandia, SK.  At age 20, Wayne joined the Canadian Air Force.  While stationed in Moose Jaw, SK, Wayne met his bride-to-be Leona at a dance at Temple Gardens.  They both describe an instant attraction, and after their initial meeting, Dad said he “knew she was the one”.  Thankfully, the landlady realized that it was her boarder Leona that Wayne was trying to reach when he called the house repeatedly asking for a young woman named “Lorna”.  Wayne and Leona were married November 14, 1954 and they went on to share 64 years. 

Military service took Wayne coast to coast- serving in Elmer, ON, Moose Jaw, SK, Sydney, NS, and Tofino, BC.  After his military service was completed, Wayne and Leona moved to Zealandia, SK to return to farm alongside his father and uncle.   While farming, Wayne returned to school and, at age 32, became the oldest high school graduate from Rosetown High School.  He received an academic award which prompted him to begin his training as an Industrial Arts teacher. 

Dad often referred to himself as a “Jack of all trades, master of none.”  His hands were his greatest tools. Although the end of his teaching career included adult education, Industrial Arts education was a perfect fit for his skill set.  He could fix or build anything.  Demonstration was his primary teaching method.  He was happiest with motor parts strewn across a work bench and when his overalls were covered in oil or grease.  Even when he was wearing his “Sunday Best” which always included a suit, jacket, and tie, it was not unusual to find him under the hood of a vehicle or manning a shovel in the back yard.  His passion for taking things apart and putting them back together inspired many young students and helped them develop lifelong practical skills.    

Wayne was always a host.  There was always a spare bed open and a spot for one more at the dinner table. The more the merrier- he hated to miss a party.  Fond memories include Dad cooking bacon and eggs made to order, traditional Norwegian dinners and singing Auld Lang Syne around the campfire on New Year’s Eve.  He was generous and the first to offer help to anyone- regardless of if he knew you or not.  He would give you his last $10 if he thought you needed it. 

Wayne loved adventure and the outdoors.  He volunteered as a boy scout leader in Montmartre, SK.  The sight of a station wagon, camper in tow, with a red Lund fishing boat rigged to the top of the vehicle will be a familiar memory to many.  An avid snowmobiler, Wayne was an asset to have on your trip as he would be the first to volunteer to help if you had any kind of breakdown.  Many will recall Dad’s signature riding outfit: bright yellow Ski-Doo helmet, black 1 pc snowsuit, and bare face.

He was always ready to hit the road on a family camping trips.  He would have the camper packed the last day of school- two months of time off, a destination in mind, but a loose agenda that allowed for unplanned stops at places that looked interesting to us along the way.  Many laughs and memories have been built with family and friends around a campfire. The joy was in the journey. 

Music was part of Wayne’s DNA right until the end of his life.  Playing piano and singing with family brought him great joy.   He shared his rich bass voice in may choirs over the years- most recently as a member of the Chimo Chordsman- a Saskatoon based men’s chorus which performs acapella in barbershop style.  In his last weeks, staff at Glengarda Hospice shared that Dad’s voice could be heard throughout the building as he sang ABBA karaoke while enjoying hour long bubble baths.

Wayne began his retirement in Preeceville, SK where much of his time was spent with either a fishing rod or coffee mug in his hand.  Cream and two Splenda. In 2003, Wayne and Leona relocated to Saskatoon.  Always about relationships, Dad quickly connected with a coffee group that met daily in the food court at Circle Park Mall.  He also put his knowledge of mechanics to use as a Thresherman Volunteer at the Western Development Museum.  He worked on tractors, helped set up the Eaton House display, drove the kiddie train, and was most noted for his skill of demonstrating rope making.

Above all else Wayne loved his family and dedicated his time and energy to enjoying any activity that brought the family together.  He invested deeply and intentionally.  He always made an adventure out of the mundane.  His approach was always “how can I help?”.  Significant memories include family brunch at Jerry’s Food Emporium every Saturday for 17 years; skyping with his granddaughters in Japan; watching grandson’s hockey games- sometimes 2 games a night; helping with house renos; taking grandsons on City bus rides and on weekly visits to the WDM; regularly babysitting and helping with anything any time he was asked with a smile on his face. 

Wayne is survived by his wife of 64 years Leona (nee Stubbe), daughters Kim (Trevor), Laurie (Aurelio) and son Kevin (Colleen), along with the loves of his life his 7 grandchildren: Kohlburn, Giovanna, Parker, Natalie, Burton, Kedrick and Stellan. 

A Celebration of Wayne’s Life will be held Friday, May 7, 6:30 pm at Ebenezer Baptist Church.  

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.