Parcourez la nécrologie de Reginald Reg William Johnson August 4 1939
January 10 2025 résidant dans la province Saskatchewan pour le détail des funérailles
After a brief illness, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father Reginald Johnson, known fondly as “Reg” or “Mr. J,” on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Nanaimo, B.C.
Born on August 4, 1939, at Montreal General Hospital, Reg lived a vibrant life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. He spent his early years in the Toronto area, moving with his family to Rouge Hills in 1941 before settling in East York. He attended R.H. McGregor Elementary, Cosburn Junior High, and East York Collegiate. A natural leader and athlete, Reg went on to study at Huron College at the University of Western Ontario, graduating in 1961 with an Honours in Business Administration. His academic and social life involved playing university hockey and football, singing and playing guitar with the Ivey Leaguers and chairing the White Cross Club. During this time, Reg formed lifelong friendships with his amazing buddies Fred Ruddle, Peter Hancock and John Snelgrove.
Dad’s working career spanned roles with first Eaton’s, then later Dylex Limited (Tip Top Tailors) and finally, for many years, with Canadian Tire. He was a store owner in Hagersville and Bowmanville, ON, and later in Regina, SK. Multiple friends and even his brother-in-law Dereck became Canadian Tire dealers too. He retired in 2000 after 28 wonderful years in retail. He had many fond memories that he liked to share about staff members he spent time with and grew to love.
Beyond his professional life, for years Dad volunteered as a Rotarian. He served in leadership roles as President of Wascana Golf and Country Club (1988–1989), as the Chair of the Regina Small Businessman’s Association and the Hospitals of Regina Foundation (1994-1995). His generosity and sense of community service will be remembered as boundless. Dad’s motto was to build – never burn – bridges.
Dad’s passions were many, but his love for sports stood out. Whether it was around golf, cheering for his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Blue Jays or dissecting the latest hockey game, he enjoyed all sports. The strangest of hockey fans, Dad cheered for the Canadiens first, his birthplace, the Leafs next, his childhood home area, and the Canucks, later in life. Dad excelled on the golf course and spent many rounds with his buddies “The Raunchy Rebels” at Wascana Golf Club in Regina. He cherished time spent with fellow Canadian Tire dealers Laddie, Grant and Adrian on many golf courses across Canada. The group and their spouses went on a memorable UK / France trip that included stops at British Open courses in Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Muirfield, Prestwick, Royal Lytham and Saint Anne’s and, of course, the old course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Golf trophies from many tournaments decorated Dad’s home. He was also very proud to have coached his son Scott’s hockey team and, along with fellow coach Rick Williams, was named Hockey Regina’s “Coach of the Year” in 1981 as the team won both their league and Provincial titles.
Dad also loved the arts and the outdoors. He enjoyed big band music, and a Frank Sinatra tune often lured him to the dance floor for a stylized shuffle or a hum. Few could “cut a rug” like Dad. He thoroughly enjoyed attending Kelly’s latest play and revelled in her time singing jazz and later, her band’s recordings and performances. From his time in the Rocky Mountains as an assistant golf pro at the Banff Springs Golf Club to retirement in the Parksville area on a quiet ocean bay, Dad loved the outdoors. Many dogs, cats and horses enriched his life. Family dogs Taffy, Ginger, Molly, Emma, and “adopted” dog Raj brought him immense joy. An animal was never far away. For several years, in Regina, he was a not-so-secret cowboy at heart with horses he loved to ride in the Qu’appelle Valley.
In 1963, Reg married Brenda (née Hicks), affectionately known as “Ben,” whom he met while both worked at the Banff Springs Hotel. Together, they raised their children, Scott “Joe” and Kelly “Chip”, creating a family filled with love and adventure. After Brenda’s passing in 1989, Reg was fortunate to find love again with Royal Plant of Nanoose Bay, B.C. They shared a beautiful partnership, welcoming many family and friends to the B.C. coast with warmth and hospitality.
Reg was predeceased by his parents Reg, Sr (1989) and Eleanor (1995), brother Allan (2021) and his beloved first wife Brenda (1989). He leaves behind his partner Royal; son Scott of Regina, SK; daughter Kelly of Spruce Grove, AB; and cherished grandchildren Reed and Kendall Johnson as well as Kayla and Wyatt Turnbull. Reg will be fondly remembered and missed by Royal’s family: Andrew (Andrea) and their children Avery, Anderson and Ainsley; Matthew (Kristin) and their children Mackenzie and Eva all of Vancouver, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC SPCA (spca.bc.ca) the North Island Recovery & Discovery Centre (www.niwra.org), Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca) or the Hospitals of Regina Foundation (www.hrf.sk.ca).
Dad’s wishes were to be buried beside Brenda in Regina. As a result, a Small Private Service for family and close friends, by invite only please, will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and recorded for viewing at a later time. Interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Dad’s life, for all who wish to attend, will be arranged for the summer 2025 with event details posted on social media.
We have no doubt that Reg is now reunited with loved ones, sharing stories, playing with his dogs, and enjoying a round of golf somewhere peaceful. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Link for the live stream will be made available shortly.
August 4 1939
January 10 2025
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Reginald Reg William Johnson August 4 1939
January 10 2025..
Décès pour la Ville: Regina, Province: Saskatchewan
avis deces Reginald Reg William Johnson August 4 1939
January 10 2025
necrologie Reginald Reg William Johnson August 4 1939
January 10 2025
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Reginald Reg William Johnson August 4 1939
January 10 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.