Richard Murray “Dick” Johnson
May 30, 1945 – April 8, 2022
Dick passed away at Royal University Hospital in the early evening of Friday, April 8th, after a long and courageous battle with fronto-temporal dementia. He was born in Midale, Saskatchewan, to George and Evelyn (Gysler) Johnson of rural Goodwater; a baby brother for Dorie. Two years later, another boy, Tom, was born. By all accounts, especially Dick’s, the three had a wonderful life together growing up on the farm. The family was very involved in their community, enjoying sports days, softball and hockey games, and much more. When Dick was 15 he was invited to become a member of the very first Weyburn Red Wings hockey team.
In 1965 he joined the RCMP, serving on the Centennial Caravan in 1967. As a single man in the force, he was quite “portable” so he was transferred to several postings in Manitoba over the years; ending up in Prince George, B.C. for several years. He returned to Saskatchewan in 1985, making a stopover in Alberta to help set up the Louis Bull Tribal Administration Police Department. He joined Corman Park Police in 1985, becoming Chief a few years later.
In 1986, he met and married Elline Bergquist. In 1993 he left policing and became the Provincial Pesticide Inspector, finishing his career as Provincial Manager of Livestock and Veterinary Operations, Saskatchewan Agriculture. Retirement was filled with family, friends, golf, fishing, woodworking, and yard renovations. Lots of yard renovations! He loved his greenhouse, and the yard in general.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, George and Evelyn, his brother Tom, and his great-niece Brooke Thoreson. On December 22, 2021 he lost his brother-in-law Larry Thorarinson, which was a devastating loss for him.
Dick is survived by his wife Elline, his sister Dorie Thorarinson, niece Brenda (Greg) Edel, Trystan and Evyn; nephew Trent (Kathy) Thorarinson, Mitchell (Victoria) Thorarinson, Kelsey (Brodie) Thoreson, Braxton and Harper; and Austin Thorarinson; his brother-in-law Monty (Shelley) Bergquist, and his nephew Ryan (Jessica) Bergquist, Victor and Maria; and niece Kathryn Bergquist.
At Dick’s request, a private family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place. His ashes will be laid to rest in the Dalmeny Bible Church Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
10 Comments
Dear Ellie. Our sincere condolences . So sorry to learn of Dick.s passing. He was a dear friend when he was our police in Langham. The memories ……..for their coffee breaks “have the coffee and cheesecake ready”…….He will be missed … Treasure his memories he was a gentle giant. Most Sincerely. Dennis & Phyllis
I worked with Dick on a RCMP plain clothes section in Prince George in the mid-1970s. Despite his “tough as nails” exterior, he was one of the funniest people I have ever known. I will miss my old friend.
I new Dick in the 70’s and considered him a good friend full of life, enjoying his job and the people he associated with. He loved sharing stories with fellow members of the RCMP and he touched many of our lives.
God speed Dick Johnson! We have nothing but wonderful memories of you and the time spent with you in Prince George.
My sincere condolences to Elline and family. I worked with Dick at Sask Agr in the area of livestock regulatory management including brand inspection and game farming. He was wonderful to work with, he never sugar coated the situations and he was a superb storyteller. May his memory be a blessing to all of us.
I had the privilege of working with Dick in Livestock inspection for a number of years. He was honest, straight forward and the greatest person you could have for a boss. Thank you Dick you changed my life
Our sincere condolences to the Dick Johnson family. Many of us who worked with Dick in SK Ag often reminisce about times working for “The Big Guy”. He had a larger than life personality to go with his physical stature and was a stand-up man to work for.
Garth Woods, on behalf of Dick’s friends with livestock inspection at Livestock Services of SK.
We have lost a wonderful man and friend. I worked with Dick during our time at the Prince George RCMP Detachment days. You would find him in the middle of anything heavy and serious and always find him in the middle of fun. This was the kind of guy you would want to have protecting your back and he did. Have a safe journey good and faithful friend.
Dear Ellie, I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Our family loved your visits and will miss visiting with Dick. He loved you so much and was always so proud of you. I hope that the warm memories of your time together comfort you during your time of grief and help ease your pain. You took such marvellous care of him to the very end and I am so sorry you both had to deal with the problems that came about from his diagnosis. I will always remember Dick with a big smile on his face, excellent stories and his infectious laughter. You both are in our thoughts and prayers. Call anytime you feel like you want to talk, I am always here for you.
It has been almost a year and a half, and otherwise too many years. Ellie, my condolences. Even though we lost touch Dick was a wonderful man I enjoyed working with at Corman Park. Is there a way we can get in touch?
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