Skip to content

Gwen Johnston

January 4, 2007

JOHNSTON, Gwen

August 31, 1913 - January 4, 2007


Having rallied to see in the New Year, Gwendolyn Mary Johnston (née: Fairbairn (AKA Gwendolyn Mary Bumblebee Sary Kinnickety Jane) passed away peacefully in her sleep at the miraculous age of 93. She outlived beloved husband Rex, her partner of 53 years, and is survived by daughter Jennifer Warnyca (Dymetry) of Vancouver, son Bill (Jan) currently in Ho Chi Minh City, grandchildren: Allison, Travis and Michael, her sisters Peggy and Kay, extended family and innumerable friends and fans.

A true West Coast gal, Gwen was born in Vancouver and raised in the Comox Valley. Armed with flaming red hair, twinkling blue eyes, a bright spirit and incredible energy, she rapidly became a pillar of her extended family and her community. Despite her diminutive frame she excelled at basketball, racquet sports, long distance swimming , skiing, golf and bridge. ?

She made time for public service as a trustee of the Maple Ridge School Board, a founding member and 30-year veteran of the hospital auxiliary “Economy Cottage” and latterly as an award-winning crusader for clean streets in Maple Ridge and Vancouver as well as a prodigious supplier of hand knit booties to all her friends and family. She shared with Rex an insatiable curiosity about the world at large, hosting many exchange students and inspiring her children to expand their horizons. In retirement, she and Rex traveled the globe for 25 years, making friends on every continent and accumulating a wealth of stories and adventures.

Gwen will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humour, her positive outlook, for always having a kind word for everyone and for her enjoyment of a glass of white wine. We wish to thank the kind and caring staff of Youville for making Gwen’s past year so pleasant and for providing so much comfort to us and to her during her final hours.

What a rich, long and busy life! We will love you and miss you always. ?


Cheerio, Mom!

~ • ~



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.