On his 94th birthday, October 7, 2022, Ivan
Johnson passed away after a life well lived. He
survived his wife Margaret’s passing by only 139 days.
Ivan was born on October 7, 1928 to Anne (Davis) and Harold
Johnson in the coal-mining town of Springhill, NS. It was a close-knit
community where people looked after each other and helped where
needed. Ivan enjoyed a childhood surrounded by neighbors that included
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He enjoyed
recounting stories of his childhood and teenage
escapades.
In 1957, he married his beautiful wife Margaret (Bourque) and
this began a 65 year old love story. In that same year, the couple
followed the Maritime tradition of «going down the road» to
find work in Toronto. He tried many jobs until he settled into one
with Ontario Hydro where he spent most of his adult working life until
retirement.
The decision to buy a home in Etobicoke led to living in a
community that had the «small town values» Ivan had been
searching for – caring, sharing, and helping where needed. These
neighbors, and friends made through work, protected and cared for Marg
and Ivan during illness and during the pandemic. Sheila and Mike
Campbell, Gary Gillis, Brian and Susan Donnelly, and Vince and Natalie
Mazzucco eased Marg and Ivan’s last years and our family thanks
you.
Ivan and Marg were a very social couple and loved to
entertain, go to parties and dances, golfing and motor bike rallies.
In retirement years, they enjoyed travel and cruises with their
friends. Ivan’s passion was motor bikes. It began in his youth with a
WW1 surplus Harley Davidson with a suicide shifter, and culminated in
1990 with a Honda Goldwing which he rode into his 80’s!
Marg embraced Ivan’s motorbike passion and together they
joined Motorcycle clubs such as the Retreads North America and the
40-Plus Club. As well as Sunday drives, they would attend club rallies
and, for 24 consecutive years, attended the Lake George, New York
rallies. Their last one was when Ivan was 83.
Until age and health prevented them, they would make annual
trips to Nova Scotia to maintain their links to family and
friends.
Not having children of their own, Ivan and Marg became a
loving aunt and uncle and substitute grandparents to many family and
friends.
They were loved by all and we will miss you.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of
A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane
Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361) where a family Service of Committal
will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 1:00 pm, Atlantic
Standard Time, and 12:00 noon, Ontario time.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the
family by visiting Ivan’s online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com
or through the A. H. Brown Funeral Home Facebook
Page.
1928 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ivan Johnson 1928 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Springhill, Province: Nova Scotia