It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, dad, brother, uncle, great uncle and friend, Warren Johnson, at St. Boniface Hospital, on March 27th, 2025, at the age of 74.
He will be greatly missed by his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Emily (Emmy), son Matthew (Matt), sister Carol Hall (Bud), brother Brent Johnson (Doris), nieces Kayla Johnson, Melanie Alcock, Holly Barber, Tara Barber and their families, sisters-in-law Corrinne Sever (Lloyd), Marion Serson, Margaret Carlbom, Jackie Carlbom (Dave) and their families.
Warren was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Frank Johnson, in-laws, Chet and Lydia Carlbom, sister, Susan Barber and brother-in-law Stu Barber.
Warren was born in Kenora on September 23, 1950. It was at Beaver Brae High School that Warren met his forever love, Emmy. After graduating, they both went off to Lakehead University, where Warren earned his degree in Civil Engineering.
Warren got a job with the City of Thunder Bay in Building Services, working his way up the ranks to becoming manager of the building and plumbing inspectors. He retired 30 years later in 2007.
After marrying in 1976, Thunder Bay became home for Warren and Emmy for 31 years where they forged many lasting friendships. The birth of their son, Matthew (Matt) in 1986, was one of Warren’s proudest moments.
Warren and Emmy loved to travel and experience the world’s beauty. They visited many Caribbean Islands, Mexico, China, Africa, Hawaii, Florida and Arizona. They also travelled Canada’s east and west coasts, marvelling at its expanse and diversity. They took several cruises, the highlight being the Greek Island Hopper Cruise they took to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, Santorini being the most romantic island. Its rugged coastlines, shaped by volcanic eruption, resulted in towns clinging to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). Waking up to these beautiful views was breathtaking.
Another travel highlight was the African Safari they took through Kenya and Tanzania with sister-in-law Jackie and husband Dave in 2014. They were fortunate enough to see the big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and cape buffalo) along with many other species. They also witnessed the annual wildebeest circular migration in the Serengeti, as they searched for grazing and water.
At an early age, Warren developed an interest in fishing and hunting. He often talked about the family piling into the old Munro boat, heading out on Lake of the Woods to fish, followed by a picnic and swim on Scotty’s Island. Warren and Brent first experienced deer hunting with their dad. In later years, Brent made sure he carried on the family tradition. Warren went on several moose hunting trips with his father-in-law, Chet, and brother-in-law, Dave. They would rent a houseboat and explore the many bays and creeks on Lac Seul, looking for moose and fishing pickerel for supper. In later years, Brent and Bud would join Warren and Dave. In spring, Bud would call Warren up, and they would go beer canning for trout. They so enjoyed each other’s company that it soon became an annual tradition.
The draw of Kenora’s natural beauty had always been in Warren’s heart. In 2007, after retiring, Warren and Emmy returned to Kenora to build their dream home on beautiful Black Sturgeon Lake. It was during this time that they were able to form tighter family bonds, and develop new friendships.
Warren loved the peacefulness and serenity of lake life. He worked tirelessly developing, landscaping and maintaining the property, but also enjoyed relaxing at the waterfront, for a beer and a swim, and cruising Black Sturgeon Lake on the pontoon boat. It was truly a dream come true and a place he could really call home. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heart and Stroke, Diabetes Canada or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, May 25th, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Lake of the Woods Cemetery, Columbarium Site 81.
Reception to follow at Clarion Hotel, Cascade Room.
