Wayne Patrick Johnson 75, passed away peacefully following complications of a stroke on Monday October 4th.
Born in Halifax he was the son of the late Frederick Johnson and Emma Louise (Austin).
Dad was an exceptional welder and spent many years working at refineries and off shore, and for the final years of his career he was employed by the Ford Assembly Plant in Oakville Ontario Local 707. Dad loved the Lord and he did not fear death. He loved going to church and he especially loved African American Gospel music. He loves to sing, whistle and hum, and not well I may add. Dad never really grew up, always a child at heart, restless and ready to go on a moments notice. He was stubborn to a fault, funny, silly and often snorted when he laughed. He loved to torment people, talk while you were trying to watch tv and tell stories, some tall ones too. He was charismatic, handsome, clever, handy and often had something smart mouthed to say. He had a special sideways glance that he gave when he disapproved of bad language or behaviours, we saw that look often. He was very hard of hearing and often his “rendition” of what he thought was said was hilarious. He had alot of nicknames for people, I will most fondly remember his name for my son “Josh the ka-diddle-hopper”. Dad loved his Blue Jays and especially Carlos Delgado. For most of his life he wore all black clothes referring to himself as “Johnny Cash The Man In Black”, more recently he loved Caribbean themed shirts. He loved playing and watching poker, playing cribbage (he was really good and may have skunked me a time or two), playing pool, grabbing a cold beer or a good drink of brandy or rum and he especially loved to travel. He thought he was the world’s BEST driver, although we didn’t agree. He was a free spirit and called many places “home” over the years, but his heart was the happiest when he was in Nova Scotia. Dad had the misfortune of a medical mishap during surgery in March of 2020 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. This was a catastrophic event that was the beginning of his final days. Dad settled in Sunny Corner after leaving rehab and eventually moved to Losier Hall or as he called it “Loose-eh Hall” never quite getting the pronunciation right.
He is survived by his children Bruce (Katou) of Halifax, Paul (Mickie) of Grand Lake, Gale (Scott Jodrey) of Dartmouth, Jason of Sunny Corner, Jayde (Nathan Beaudet) of Sunny Corner and Jared of Halifax. He is also survived by his sister Beverly (late Patrick McIntosh) of Sackville, brother Lawrence (Gloria) of Dartmouth and brother Raymond (Jane) of Ontario. He had 14 grandchildren, Bruce’s children-Ella and Ezra, Paul’s children- Alexander, Breeanna, Savannah and John, Gale’s children Sophia, Micheal and Makayla, Jayde’s children- Joshua and Olivia and Jared’s children- James, Cadence and Shyanne as well as 3 great grandchildren Cadence, Olivia and Cameran. He was predeceased by both of his parents, his brother Jackie (Rose), his sister Betty (late Joe Simmons) and his sister Patsy that he missed and spoke of often.
Jayde would like to personally thank Integrity Miramichi for your care while Dad was still able to be at home with us, some extra love for Ethel who Dad loved so much and who went above and beyond what was ever required. To all of the staff at Extra Mural especially Amy for her excellent care for him and for us. To my two lifeline social workers, Christelle with Extra Mural and Ashley with Department of Social Development- you two ladies literally moved mountains for me and with me. Thank you for bringing me through the most difficult of times, for being a sounding board for me, for being so positive and caring and for giving me a soft place to fall during many heartbreaking challenges/decisions I faced with and for Dad over the past year and a half. There was no way through without your ladies. A special thank you to all of the staff at Losier Hall-Kelly Court and to Shasta for keeping us in the loop during the craziness of Covid and for being a great source of comfort to us from the very first day. Your kindness, professionalism, humor and care for us and for Dad especially these past few days will never be forgotten. Much love to you! Thank you also to Amy at Northumberland Funeral Home for making the process of his arrangements so easy and heartfelt. You are a gem!
Dad’s lifelong dream was to build a home and live out his days in Chester NS. His final resting place will be there, near the water at a later date when we can all get together for his final send off. Dad, we will miss you, your shenanigans and all of your trouble making ways. I am sure the feeling of your legs under you again must have been amazing when your feet hit the road! This isn’t goodbye but see you later. Rest easy “old man” as we loving called you.
At his request, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home, 102 Pleasant St, telephone (506) 622-7741
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wayne Johnson 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick