With great sadness we share the news that Larry Johnson (March 30, 1943 – March 1, 2020) passed away suddenly in the arms of his loving wife, on March 1st, 2020, at the age of 76 years.
He will be lovingly and forever remembered by Donna – his wife of 54 years, and his four daughters, Heather (Steven), Christie (Laura), Barbara (Mitch) and Teresa; 6 siblings: Pat (Norman), Morley (Joan), Kate (Jim), Marne (Tom), George (Liz), and Peggy (Neal); 12 grandchildren: Sophie, Émilie, Simon, Finn, Matthew, William, James, Clara, Elizabeth, Daniel, Charles, Philip; nieces and nephews as well as numerous relatives and countless friends.
Larry was predeceased by his parents Helen (Perley) Johnson, Dr. Frank Johnson, and his granddaughter Clara Holte.
Larry was a lifelong educator, lived a life of service, and was a passionate supporter of music.
He embraced life to its fullest, loved to laugh, loved and unfailingly supported his wife, daughters and grandchildren beyond measure, and fully supported and embraced their interests, passions, and causes.
Having started his professional life as a physics and math teacher, he progressed through various levels of administration to become the Superintendent of the St. Albert Protestant School District from 1989 to 1996. A lifelong Rotarian, Larry was the Charter President of the St. Albert and Fort McMurray Rotary Clubs and District Governor of District 5370 from 2001 to 2002. Larry was an active member of every community he belonged to, serving as the Commanding Officer of his Air Cadet Squadron in Grande Prairie, President of the Alberta Music Festival Association and the St. Albert Rotary Music Festival, Chair and Treasurer of the board of Atsikana Pa Ulendo (APU) Malawi Education Foundation, and Chair of the board of Cantilon Choirs. Larry was an early adapter of computer programming and developed software programs to manage data for charity auctions and music festivals across Canada. He gave selflessly of his time, knowledge and energy to these endeavours, developing deep friendships along the way.
Larry’s interests and hobbies were diverse and numerous. He loved fishing, playing chess, playing bridge, singing and listening to choral music, woodworking, camping, and tinkering on the old Greyhound Bus that he converted into a family RV. Upon retirement, he, with the help of Donna and his girls, designed and built his own unusual home out in the country that could accommodate his converted Greyhound Bus, his large woodworking shop and Donna’s extensive garden.
Larry’s passion for music, education and service will be honoured by way of donations towards his daughter Heather’s choral music program, the Cantilon Choral Program, Edmonton, and his daughter Christie’s school for girls, Atsikana Pa Ulendo School for girls in Malawi.
Larry will be remembered for his humanity, integrity, sense of humour, and keen intellect.
If a man's life can be measured by how many loved him, there could have been no bigger life.
A celebration of Larry’s life will take place at Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209 123 St., Edmonton) on Saturday, April 4th, 2020 at 11:00. The celebration will be followed by one of Larry’s famous “Beef BBQs”. All are welcome.
Memorial Donations may be made in Larry’s name to Cantilon Choral Program (www.cantilonchoirs.ca) or Atsikana Pa Ulendo – Girls On The Move (www.malawigirlsonthemove.com)
Rose Garden Chapel 780-674-4644
