Johnson, W. Brian – age 60, of Valley, Nova Scotia, passed away on July 22, 2020 in the QEII – Halifax Infirmary. Celebration of life to be held in the spring of 2021.
Brian was born in Toronto on August 27th 1959, a son of David Johnson and the late Florence Sherrard (Porter). Brian is survived by his beloved children, Anna Muise (Jay) and Will Johnson (Kaili); their mother, Leigh McFarlane and his cherished grandchildren, Jayden, James, Charlotte, Asher, Arian and Jolie. Brian is also survived by many loved brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, Uncle Ray Johnson, friends and colleagues.
Brian’s childhood, while often difficult, was filled with love and support from many households. Brian’s mother, Florence; grandparents, Hilda and Garnet Roskelly and father-in-law, Harry McFarlane played pivotal roles in his life. Brian loved them with his whole heart and held on to their love always.
As a young man, Brian joined the military where he met Leigh. They settled in Nova Scotia to begin their family. Brian had an eclectic job and business history throughout the country including as an edible plastics engineer, a cab driver, in construction, a gas station owner, a call center operations manager, a delivery driver, a bartender, a professional grampie and so many more.
Brian was a loving man and while getting details about his life was like prying open a tin can with a spoon, he always wanted to know how you were doing. Brian became the dad he always deserved but didn’t have. He took care of the people around him, but only occasionally let us take care of him. Brian was passionate about great food and strong coffee and made sure to treat all his loved ones and friends with seemingly random tidbits he knew they would enjoy. Thanks to his plethora of experiences and his unwavering quest for knowledge and understanding, there was rarely a topic he could not offer kind, thoughtful, thrifty and thorough advice about. On the rare occasion that would happen, Brian’s Google search history would be peppered with questions about the topic.
Brian was a big man and had a laugh to match his size. He had eyes that shone and gave the BEST hugs. Brian could often be found gazing at his grandbabies with joyfully tear-filled eyes having what we called “love attacks”. Love attacks were always followed by full body hugs and I love yous all around.
Brian was not the easiest man to get a hold of and would often tell people if they really needed to reach him to let Anna or Will know. He was like the wind and would blow in and out of his loved ones yards on a whim, but always remembered to call for birthdays – even without Facebook reminders. Brian never failed to take the time to teach little ones (and big ones who were willing) how to do things “the right way”. How to wash dishes – glass first, how to polish boots, bake a ham, water the plants, harvest rhubarb and more. His teaching was always done with calm instruction, lots of praise and the “occasional” sarcasm. If Brian’s life had a soundtrack, it would be filled with classic rock like Burton Cummings, John Cougar, CCR and on. He could often be found people-watching in his Jeep, while listening to music with a cigarette and coffee in hand.
This world was better for having Brian in it and his family is gutted at his sudden passing. Brian drove himself to the hospital, as always on his own terms (windows down, keys still in the Jeep). We are so grateful for the prayers, well wishes, support and love offered these past couple weeks. Thank you to each and every one of you, as well as the nurses and doctors who helped him fight so hard to be here. Donations in his memory may be made to the IWK in honour of Brian’s continuous resolve to make children smile.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of W Brian Johnson Wednesday July 22nd 2020..
colchester community funeral home
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia