September 16th, 1943 - August 5, 2023
Jeffery Gary Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Didsbury, Alberta on Saturday August 5, 2023, at the age of 79.
Beloved husband of Mary Ivy Johnson (nee Roberts predeceased) and proud Father of Caron (Laurence), Keri (Cyndi), Gareth (Melanie) and Rhys (Cassie); Jeff was also a cherished Grampy to 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Born on September 16, 1943, to Wilfred and Alice Johnson of Llanhilleth, Wales, Jeffery was their only child. In school, Jeffery excelled at track, rugby, and his favourite sport, cycling. On one of his many cycling outings, he met by chance Mary and at the tender age of 14 it was love at first sight. As a young man Jeff worked in the coalmines while attending night classes to become an electrician all the while courting Mary.
On December 12th, 1964, they married. Once married Jeff and Mary moved to Weymouth, England where Jeff worked for Atomic Energy and continued to go to school, here they added their oldest two children to the fold. After moving temporarily back to Wales, they knew a better life still beckoned them. In 1972 Jeffery and Mary made the decision to move from Wales with their young family to Canada. Upon arriving in Canada, they lived briefly in Lanigan, Saskatoon, and Calgary with two more children added to their family. The six of them eventually settled in Carstairs, Alberta in December 1979.
Jeffery worked for the City of Calgary until his retirement. During this time Jeffery became passionate about photography and gardening. He always seemed to have a camera in his hand and dirt under his nails taking the pictures for many a local wedding in his own beautiful backyard. Jeffery was extremely community minded, whether he was a scout leader, hockey trainer, or part of the emergency response team, he was always eager to be on board. Jeff was extremely proud of his involvement in the 1988 Calgary Olympics from the get-go. He volunteered many late nights and busy weekends at the Bobsled venue, but Jeff relished in it, he wanted the Calgary Olympics to be the best ever and to him it was. This gave him the opportunity to meet royalty, movie stars and create the memories for all the stories he would continue to tell, and Jeff loved to tell a story or two…… Jeffery continued to cycle into his 60’s and was always walking about town talking to everyone young and old, telling his stories to anyone who would stop and listen. Jeff loved his family, every child, grandchild, or great grandchild. His smile upon seeing you was huge, loving, and genuine. We knew we were loved.
The family would like to thank Bethany Didsbury for the warm and wonderful care they provided our father over the last few years, along with Prairie Rose Cremation and Funeral Services. A family gathering will be held in September. Donations can be made in Jeffery’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society Alberta or Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation.
