FRED JOHNSON
October 29, 1948 - December 6, 2008
We are sad to announce the passing of our dear father, brother and special friend, who peacefully left us on Saturday, Dec 6th, 2008.
Fred was born on October 29, 1948 in Burnaby, BC. After completing high school he enrolled in the very new Simon Fraser University with the idea of pursuing a career in teaching, where he could use his creativity and love of writing. After graduating from SFU, Fred went backpacking in Europe, returning 8 months later with a renewed passion to teach and live the simple life. It was while doing a teaching practicum in Courtenay that Fred fell in love with the community. It was at this point that Fred passionately stated that "This is where I want to live", and bought his Saratoga property, and with the help of many friends, built his first home with the care and attention to detail that he was known for.
Over a teaching career which spanned 33 years, Fred taught English and was a counselor at a number of high schools, ending his career at Vanier Senior Secondary. Fred loved teaching and had a passion and the special talent for connecting with his students and helping them to learn or to cope during challenging times. It was a rare occasion that Fred wouldn't go into town and be recognized by one of his ex-students, many of whom remember him as one of the favourite teachers and a very witty guy. For many years Fred wrote articles for the local magazines "In Focus". His "From the Volcano" articles were for teens and about teens.
Survived by much-loved daughters, Kelsea and Jessie, wife Val, sisters Jackie and Denise, sisters-in-law Star, Dawn and Pook, nieces Christie, Meagan, Chelsea and Hayley, nephews Mike and Graham, special aunts Barb & Ollie, numerous cousins and many very good friends who were a tremendous support to him over the 6 months that he battled with cancer. His family would like to especially thank friends Jack, Booie, and Gary, who were daily visitors and constant helpers who enabled him to spend his last months at home. They would also like to thank Dr. Musgrave and the home support workers who cared for him.
His caring and protectiveness of those he loved was evident. He had a great love of antiques and history. In his younger years he was an avid hunter, fisherman and all-around outdoors man who enjoyed the beauty of nature.
We will dearly miss his mischievous chuckle, wicked sense of humour, sly looks and his numerous stories about his life's adventures.
As Fred himself said as his 60th birthday was approaching: "Been here for 60....let's see how far this beach ball bounces, daughters, friends, the good and the bad, the hilarious. Hope you can be part of it." Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, December 13, at 1:00 at Courtenay Fish and Game, 3780 Comox Logging Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency, The Arthritis Society or the Comox Valley Hospice Society.