Obituary of Donald John Johnson

February 20, 1961 – Edmonton, Alberta

April 28, 2022 – Rocky View County, Alberta

Donald Johnson, of Airdrie, AB, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the age of 61 years.

Donald (Donnie) Johnson was born February 20, 1961, in Edmonton, AB, where he resided until moving to Calgary in 1974. In his early working career, Don spent many summers surveying the rebuild of the Alaska highway. He came away with a passion for the Yukon and Alaska and kept threatening to build a place on Teslin Lake. In the winter months, he taught himself to build houses from the ground up, do renovations and craft unique furniture. Don also had an interest in helicopters - so much so that he went to flight school and became a helicopter pilot. Ultimately, his carpentry and cabinet building skills developed to the point where he was in demand on a full-time basis. All his work came from referrals, including the backlog he left with his sudden passing.

Don will also be remembered for his passion of farming and hunting. He went to Saskatchewan for years to help on the Germsheid family farm with the seeding, harvesting, pickling or anything else that needed doing. He loved the farming life and later bought a piece of Saskatchewan as his own. When he wasn't busy, he did the circuit of relatives in SK from Prince Albert to Biggar to Handel.

Don was a skilled hunter and hunted throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Yukon, and Alaska. Up in the morning, working all day in the shop, on a job site, in the field or hunting was his calling and he derived immense joy in pursuing these activities. Don was recently compiling pictures of old farmyards and buildings which he intended to put together in a book which we will now have to help him finish.

Don's passing was sudden and unexpected, we will all miss him greatly.

He is survived by his loving mother Doreen, brothers, Sandy (Marlene), Greg (Angie), Bob (Suzy), and Dale (Pat); and many nephews and nieces. As well, Don had a long list of 'Saskatchewan' aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were very significant in his life. Don was predeceased by his brother Perry, and father Shirley.

Donations in Don’s memory may be made to Stars Air Ambulance (1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8N7) or the MS Society of Saskatchewan (150 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4R 2N2).

Family and friends who were not able to attend Don's Celebration of Life, or would like to view the service recording, are invited to reach out to Greg to obtain a copy of the recording to view. 

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Donald Johnson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Don Johnson's Memorial Card