Niels Johansen

Our family lost its patriarch and the world lost a truly wonderful man. Morfar was born in Rudkobing, Langeland, Denmark. He was always a hard worker, from a young age he helped his father with the bus runs; loading passenger’s bicycles on the top of the bus. Morfar started his training as a mechanic at his father’s garage during WWII. Finishing his training, he was conscripted into the Danish Navy. When Morfar finished his service he packed his tools, sold his India Motorbike and with 25 dollars immigrated to Canada, landing at Pier 22. His destination was Vancouver, until fate caused him to break down at The House of Denmark. While there, on a blind date, he met Grandma Bunny, she was the love of his life. Morfar found work, working for Lee Fogolin at Halfway Motors up until retirement, he loved his job. 

Morfar found purpose and was a pillar of the Current River community. He was a loyal member of the Moose Hall, receiving a lifetime membership. He was involved with the Pass Lake Historical Society, and the Norwegian Canadian Society as well. 

During retirement he continued to stay active in the community, doing yard duty for Claude E. Garton School. He loved being a Morfar (Grandpa) and Moofuo/Oldefar (Great Grandpa) spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Morfar always made time for his family, friends and neighbours. Up until the end, he would go for coffee at Robin’s Donuts on Hodder Avenue and return home to do Sudoku and crosswords. After Morfar had his first heart surgery, he participated in The Walk with Doc for 13 years. He was an amateur artist with his wood burning and was an avid photographer; we have the boxes of photos and film to prove it. His favourite character was Popeye. As a side note, he never did make it to Vancouver.

Morfar will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughters: Pat (John) Ferris, Gail (Fred) Kane and Jackie (Ed) Pedersen; grandchildren Shanon, JohnTodd (Vanessa) and Ryan (Sandy) Ferris, Jennifer and Niel Kane, and Jasen (Laura) and Amanda Pedersen; great grandchildren Braiden Ray, Gwendyln Gerardo, Mya, OliverTodd and Evangeline Ferris, Liam, Reece, Quinn, and Pierce Pedersen; as well as extended family in Denmark and the USA.
He was predeceased by the love of his life Bunny, brothers Paul and Fritz, and sister Johanna.

A celebration of Morfar’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, presided by Pastor Matthew Diegel of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northern Heart or the TBRHSC-Northern Cancer Fund.