Johnson, Robert Joseph

Jan. 7, 1909 - July 29, 2007 Death is God's way of saying, "Your table is ready my good and faithful servant " Robert Joseph Johnson of 120 N. Franklin Street passed away on Sunday, July 29th at St. Joseph's Hospital, surrounded by his family in his ninety- eighth year. Bob was born in London, England and came to Canada with his family in August 1913. He is survived by his wife Hazel, with whom he would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this November. He is also survived by his children Robert Johnson, Roberta Wolfe (Carl), Darlene Armstrong, David Johnson (Debbie) Margaret Johnson, Mary Johnson and Elaine Johnson and son-in-law Andy Bott; Grandchildren: Steven Johnson (Jessica), Kerri Bernardi (Shane), Joe Starcok (Jennifer), Jeremy & Jeffrey Starcok, Paul Wolfe, Michael Wolfe (Heidi), Jessica MacRae (Murray), Samantha Sweeney (Denis), Dave Andres, Sandi Smith (Jim), Randy Andres (Debbie), Christopher Bott (Carole), Patti Thompson (Randy), Wayne Johnson, Jo-Ann Phair (Richard), Daniel Johnson (Glenna), Wendy Gillespie (Dale). Great-grandchildren: Sydney & Samuel Bernardi, Makayla & Riley Wolfe, Kathleen & Nicolas Johnson, Shae Sweeney, Gabriel MacRae, Justin & Stephanie Phair, Marlanna, Daniel, Kayla, Jonathon, Janet Andres, Robert Andres (Blayne), Kade Starcok; Great-great-grandchildren: Samantha, Blayne, Carolyn, Becky, Dean, Alan, Cameron, James, Harley, Andrew, Thomas, Shana, Travis Brooke, Cameron, Jesse, Ashley Bob was predeceased by his daughter Ellen Bott, grandsons Robert Johnson & Tommy Andres and great-grandson Thomas Thompson and granddaughter-in-law Kathleen Andres. He worked for 39 1/2 years with the Engineering & Waterworks Administration Office for the City of Fort William and the City of Thunder Bay retiring in 1974 at age 65. Then did a short time with the Corps of Commissioners. He joined Apex Security in 1977 where he worked until 2002 officially retiring at the age of 92. Bob joined the Military in 1927 with the Signal Corps in 1939, and the Field Ambulance and served in Great Britain - France - Germany - Sicily - Italy and North Africa. He was discharged in October 1946. In December 1946 joined the 4th Field Ambulance as Quartermaster (CSM), was discharged in 1958 and was allowed to carry (CD. ) after his name. He is a member of Branch #6 Royal Canadian Legion. Bob was a member of Connaught Masonic Lodge #511, which he joined in 1978. He held various positions in the Lodge. In 1979 he was accepted into the Lakehead Shrine Club and was a member of the Drill Patrol. He served as the Shrine Circus Ticket Chairman for 17 years and recruited his daughters, grandchildren and sometimes-even friends to come and count tickets for him. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #844 and took an active part in the committees over the years. He finally settled on the Civic Affairs Committee. Many years were dedicated to this committee as the Chairman. He would drive and arrange rides for blind and handicap children to get them to their appointments and entertainment. Bob also brought movies and treats to Arc Industries once a month. In July 1997 he was invited to the Annual Pow-Wow on Mount MacKay where he was honoured with the title Honourary Chief. He was presented with gifts after the ceremony for work he did on behalf of Lodge 844 in the early 60's. Once a month he would show picture shows and bring out big slab cakes and soda pop for everyone during the show that was provided by Chapter 1338. He was made a Life Member of the Loyal Order of Moose. For over 10 years he published the monthly Moose News where he would type, run copies and distribute to all members. He won many awards for his efforts with this monthly publication. All this volunteering lead him to be chosen as the Daily Times Journal - Father of the Year in June 1964. Bob served as Scoutmaster for the 1st Fort William Scout Troop at St. Luke's Anglican Church for 8 years. In Lieu of Flowers the family has requested that a donation to the Anglican Church Camp Gitchigomee, The Shrine Hospital for Sick Kids or charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and a service of celebrations for the life and work of Robert Joseph Johnson will take place on Wednesday, August 1st at St. Luke's Anglican Church at 11 a.m. A Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Service will proceed the service under the auspices of The Royal Canadian Legion Fort William Branch #6. Interment will take place at the Conmee Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore St at James. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com