Bea and family
So sorry to hear of the passing of Harry . Perry used to talk so fondly of you and Harry . My condolences ti you all at this difficult time ️
May my support
warm your heart
JOHNSON, Harry
1938 - 2024
We are sad to announce the death of Harry Johnson on May 10, 2024, at the age of 85. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. It was only with the loving care and support of his family that he was able to remain at home until the end. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff at Blanche River Health - Kirkland Site for their tremendous help over the years, and also the VON and Closing the Gap (PSWs) for their recent help.
Harry was born in Welland, Ontario, the only child of Harry and Millie Johnson. He joined Cubs and then Scouts where he excelled and became one of the few people in Canada to receive both the King and Queen Scout Award. This is where his love of camping and the outdoors began.
As a teenager, Harry learned to play the clarinet. At a competition for highschool bands, the adjudicator made special mention of the clarinet player in their group! Not only did he play in the highschool band, but he and several friends had their own band in Welland.
While attending Queen's University, Harry joined the Naval program. A voyage to Scotland on the rough waters was enough to convince him that being on the seas was not for him! He then worked for 2 years at Robin Hood Flour before attending the newly formed University of Waterloo. His class was the FIRST engineering graduating class, which also happened to be the first ever co-op program in Canada!
In 1962, Harry married the love of his life, Bea Bauernhuber. They immediately moved to Kapuskasing (southerners had to turn the Ontario map OVER to find Kap… “Look, there it is, ONE inch from James Bay!”). He worked as a mechanical engineer for 17 years at Spruce Falls Pulp & Paper Mill, and Bea worked as a Registered Nurse at Sensenbrenner Hospital. He joined the Algonquin Regiment Militia and rose through the ranks to reach the level of Captain. Harry and Bea spent many hours in the mess hall perfecting their dancing techniques. They loved to dance and were often seen “cutting the rug” every chance they could get. Harry was a devoted and loving father of 3 children, Sarah, Claire and Andrew, who were all born in Kapuskasing.
In 1979, the family moved “south” to Kirkland Lake where Harry accepted a position with the mechanical/welding department at Northern College. He worked there until his retirement. A dedicated teacher, Harry and several other teachers from the mech/weld dep't would stay after school for many hours to help any student in need. Their department was a close-knit group, with friendships lasting after retirement. Many a party was enjoyed, and memories created with friends in the old college staff house!
Harry was a proud member of the Legion Branch 87 and this year he received his 45th year service pin. He was very pleased when all of his immediate family members recently joined the Legion too!
Harry enjoyed blueberry picking, winemaking and sharing a rum & pepsi with family and friends. He enjoyed meeting people and he was easily able to converse with them on many different subjects. Some of his hobbies included canoeing, gardening and participating in the local horticulture and nature clubs. He volunteered with Raven Ski Patrol, Scouts and the Horticultural Society with numerous sausage grinds and Shop 'N Stops. You could often find Harry & Bea enjoying breakfast at the Encore Club surrounded by many of their friends.
Downhill skiing was a family favorite, especially trips to Mont Tremblant and Mont Sainte-Anne. It was important to Harry & Bea to show Canada to their children before they left home for university. Combining traveling and camping, the family enjoyed many vacations from coast to coast. Harry and Bea flew to Mexico, where Harry got to realize a lifelong dream - climbing Chichén Itzá and exploring the Mayan Riviera & nearby ruins! They had several cruises (2 Caribbean, 1 Alaskan) and many trips to Cuba over the years!
His engineering brain led every project, no matter the size, to be completed in a detailed and meticulous manner. His children feel very blessed to have been taught so many precious lessons and skills from such an amazing man. Harry will be remembered for his love of family, quick wit, sense of humor, quiet, gentle ways and his terrific hugs!
Predeceased by his parents Harry & Millie, brother-in-law Lloyd Bauernhuber and son-in-law Renzo Rado, Harry is survived by his best friend & soul mate of 61 years Bea, children Sarah Johnson, Claire Pearson (Dan) & Andrew Johnson, grandchildren Kyle & Eric Pearson, sister-in-law Arlene and her children Karen & Michael Bauernhuber, and many cousins, most of whom reside in southern Ontario and western Canada.
Cremation has taken place. On Sunday, May 26, 2024, there will be a Legion Funeral Service at 1 pm (doors open 12:30) followed by a Celebration of his Life at the Legion Branch 87, 1 Summerhayes Ave, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3H7. Everyone is welcome to wait.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harry's name can be made to Diabetes Canada, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 87 or the Encore Club of Kirkland Lake.
Write your sympathies or tribute
48 messages received
May my support
warm your heart
The Johnson Family
Thinking of you Bea and your family at this very sad and difficult time, so very sorry for your loss.
May my support
warm your heart
Johnson Family
I extend my sincere condolences to the Johnson Family.
I had the privilege of knowing Harry at Northern College - Kirkland Lake Campus.
Harry was the consummate, quiet, team player. Whether within the confines of the Mechanical/Welding Department alongside his esteemed colleagues and students, or out dutifully pacing that purposeful picket line from time to time, Harry could always be counted upon to fully cooperate, contribute, and consistently be there for the team - with a smile, always with a smile.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Bea and Family
Bea, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dear Husband Harry. Although I did get the privilege to know him, I am sure he was a wonderful husband and Father. How I remember working with you @ THU- good times, great laughs! May the support of family and friends give you strength during this very difficult time.
Claire, Sarah, Andrew
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Your family, Dad and Mom were such an important part of my teenage years in Kirkland Lake. I have such warm and fond memories.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time
Deepest condolences
Johnson family
On behalf of Jason, Carl and myself, we are so sorry for your loss.
Bea and Family
We were indeed sad to learn of your husband's passing. Not too many of the old N.O.I.T. or Northern College staff members left. Such a talented bunch of people! Please accept our sympathy.
Doug & Wendy van Vianen.
Johnson Family
I had the pleasure of having Harry as a prof at Northern in the early 80’s. Straight up he was one of the best teachers / mentors I have ever had in my life! So sorry for your loss.
Bea and Sarah
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
At times like this I reflect.. Lunches at the Mandarin showed me the joy and laughter of his soul. The love and respect he felt for you and the pride he held for his children. I feel honoured to have met Harry
Sending many hugs
Tracy
May my support
warm your heart
Sarah and family
My heart and prays go out to the Johnson family for there lost.
May my support
warm your heart
Bea, Sarah, Claire and Andrew
We are sad to learn of Harry’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Holding you close in thought.
The Johnson Family
I was blessed to have had Harry as an instructor in the mech/weld dept. NorCol. He was an excellent teacher and a wonderful person. I know it has been a tough year for the Johnson family, losing Renzo and now Harry - stay strong!
Bea, Andrew and family
My sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. From, Lynda Clark-McTaggart and family
Bea and Andrew
Sorry to hear of your loss.
I know he will be dearly missed by all his family.
Our condolences to you.
Joyce and Lawrence Dupont
Sarah and family
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father,thinking of you during this difficult time. My condolences to you and family.
Bea, Sarah, Claire, Andrew and family members,
Many thanks Sarah for sharing the loss of such a wonderful husband,father, grandfather and friend. We were shocked and saddened yet so grateful that we had such a pleasant and unexpected visit with your Mom, Dad and Andrew last summer in the Kenogami Inn. Your Dad will always be remembered as a wonderful, friend, educator and neighbor. We fondly remember visiting your parents and enjoying your Dad's homemade wine while resolving the world's ills and sharing thoughts to improve education.
Take strength in the many family memories and God bless.
Love,
Gord and Elaine Hamden
Sarah and Family
It is with great sorrow that I heard of your dad's illness and death. I remember him as being a kind and engaging person. The Lord is holding him in his heart where you will see him again when His great day comes. I wish you all peace, may your sadness mellow to sweetness as time passes and you remember all the great memories you have of him.
Bea, Sarah, Claire, Andrew and families,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Sincere condolences,
Paul and Doloresp
Bea & Family
My Deepest Condolences to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Harry was known and loved by many and he will be missed by all of us.
May God Bless and Comfort each one of you and give you Peace in your hearts.
Bea and Family
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and Family at this difficult time.
Johnson Family
My deepest condolences for your loss. May MR Harry rest in peace and give peace to the family members to bear this loss.
May my support
warm your heart
Johnson Family
Sarah
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Janet and I are thinking of you and your family.
Bea Johnson
My memories are of the trips Harry and Bea would make to Waterloo on my wedding anniversary. We were maids of honour for each other and have maintained a friendship that goes back to grade 6. Where did the years go, Bea? Much love to you and the family.
Gail Storm
Bea and family
From our family to yours, we are so very sorry to hear this. We are sending our deepest condolences to you.
Pat, Fred, Adam and Kate
Bea, Sarah, Claire and Andrew
I will always remember Harry for his enormous bear hugs!! As a kid we looked forward to having the Johnson Family visit us in Waterloo - I used to love to get to play in the tent trailer. And I remember our one trip to Kirkland Lake in the dead of winter (what were my parents thinking?!?!), complete with my also one and only trip to Mont Tremblant.
It’s a gift to have such fond memories of time with your dad and your family. Sending you much love.
Bea, Sarah, Claire and Andrew
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Bra and family
I’m am so sorry to hear of the passing of Harry. Please accept my most sincere condolences
May he rest in peace
Bea, Sarah, Claire & Andrew
We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Bea, Sarah, Claire & Andrew for your loss. Harry was not only a great friend and an exceptional individual but a person that we all respected and admired for his accomplishments. We had the great privilege of being Harry & Bea's next door neighbor for 41 years. In all that time we never had the slightest disagreement about anything. Most of all we had many fond memories of the great conversations around the fire pit in the back yard in the summer or the lengthy discussions in the front yard as we were chopping ice in the spring. I will always remember him as a mild-mannered, soft-spoken and thoughtful person. In all those years, I don't ever recall him raising his voice in anger. Above all, he was a family man who was extremely proud of his wife and children. Talking to Harry was always a pleasure because of his knowledge and sense of humour. Most of all, I have to say that he was one of the most sincere, honest and generous persons I have ever met. He was loved by all and we will miss him dearly.
Pasquale, Sharon, Stephanie & David Di Sano
Claire Pearson and family
We are so sorry for your loss. On reading your father's obituary, it seems that he led a full life and brought joy to many people.
Johnson family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Johnson. Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Bea and family
Carlo and I are so very sorry for your loss. Harry taught Carlo in his first year at Northern College. He was amongst a group of unique group of professionals teaching at the College. He was a lot of fun, and always an enjoyable experience. He may never have been the same again after that class!
We hope that good memories will help to ease your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.
Claire Pearson
I am so sorry for your loss Claire.
Bea, Sarah and Family
On behalf of Harry's cousin Walter Mason and his family, we are so very sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to meet you a few years ago in Woodstock when my Mom passed away. Dad would be so glad to hear from Harry and Bea over the years and enjoyed recalling past times. It thrilled him that I stay in touch with Sarah.
Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Janice Mason Moran
The Johnson Family.
My sincere condolences to you all.
May my support
warm your heart
Sarah Johnson
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father.
MSG
Bea and family
I’m so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. He gave much to many and was a beloved member of the community. He will be missed
Bea nd Family
My sincere sympathy in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the many memories you have give you comfort and peace. Rest in Peace, Harry.
Bea, Sarah, Claire, Andrew and Family
Dear Bea, Sarah, Claire, Andrew and Family,
Shirley and I were saddened to hear the news about your having lost Harry. We read the loving obituary which you prepared for publication. Remarkable! A remarkable life full of energy, good humour and adventure, firmly rooted in family and love.
Shirley and I are sure that each of you gives thanks for what Harry has meant to your life. In his inimitable way he gave each you part of his life as a gift. Your testimonial to his life is also a gift that will mean so much to his grandchildren and their children.
Thank you for sharing it.
Shirley and I are well, enjoying “semi-retired” life in “The Big Smoke”. Can’t believe we have been here over 30 years. Seems like yesterday sometimes!
All our best to you Johnsons, Pearsons and kindreds!
You are in our thoughts and we pray for your continued good health and happiness.
Shirley and Pascal LaRouche, Toronto
Bea and family
So very sorry to hear of Harry's passing. May you find comfort in all your memories.
Deepest condolences.
Bea and the whole family
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the memories you shared with him.
Bea, Sarah, Claire and Andrew
I’ve only just learned of Harry’s passing today. Paul, the kids and I are so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to you all.
Paul, Marjorie, Christopher and Abbey
Bea, Andrew, Sarah and Claire
I loved reading this beautiful message about Harry and his life! What an extraordinary man, and what a blessed life he helped create for all of you. I’ve thought of you all over the years, but I’ve always remembered Harry’s hugs and miss them, even still.
May your memories bring you peace on the tough days. Sending you love and hugs xo
Bea and family
We were very sad to learn of your loss.
Our deepest condolences to all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
The Johnson Family
Harry and I shared an office for many years in the Mechanical/ Welding Dept. at Northern College here in Kirkland Lake. Late on Friday afternoons, it became our ritual to have a drink of rum to help us relax after an arduous week. Harry and I became close friends.
At some point, other staff members decided to follow our lead and our method of relaxation became a staff ritual!
May I offer my deepest sympathy to Bea and family at Harry's passing. I know you miss him
greatly as do I.
Johnson family
So very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to all of you.
The Johnson Family
I began working at Northern after Harry had retired, however his name often came up in stories during lunchtime conversations in the Welder department. It was a pleasure and an honour to spend time with him at social functions and college events. He seemed to me to be a real gentleman. I am thankful for people like him who contributed to the success of the welding programs at Northern College for many years.
My sincere condolonces to the Johnson family.
Bea, Sarah and the Johnson family
Jean-Marie and I are so saddened to hear this news and wished we could have been there to show our sincerest sympathy in person. Please know that we will keep you in our hearts through your grieving of Harry's departure on his travels through the universe where he will smile down on us all. I will always remember his witty humour and smile each time we met. Rest in peace Harry, wherever you are.
Bea & Sarah, Claire, Andrew & family
How sad to hear of Harry's passing. Thank you both for being dear friends since neighbourhood days @ Kapuskasing, & for bridging 3+ decades apart with rendezvous @ Danny's & my Kenora cottage home, & your many visits to Mom's @ North Bay til 2012. Harry, composed & relaxed amused us with his dry wit. Laughing came easily. Preprandials and good home cooking, baked or on the barbie, provided an underlying thread of connective tissue accompanying a deep sense of well being while sharing matters of the heart.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you. A bounty of memories to treasure of Harry & a life well lived & shared ...
... & we look forward to savouring Harry's exquisite blueberry wine the other side of the 'Pearly Gates!'
May my support
warm your heart
