JOHNSON
Arthur M.
1909 - 2009
Mr. Arthur M. Johnson passed away at the Pine Ridge Continuing Care in Stettler on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the age of 99 years. Arthur was born of Norwegian parents on December 27, 1909 in the County of Red Lake in Minnesota, USA. In 1911, he immigrated to Sunnynook, Alberta with his parents and family. Arthur had six step brothers and sisters and five brothers and sisters. Arthur was the last survivor of his large family. Arthur married Ruth M. Turner of Pollockville, Alberta on February 20, 1933. Both the Turner and Johnson families moved to the Gadsby-Botha area in the summer of 1933. Arthur and Ruth raised their two daughters Alice May and Joyce Jean at Botha, Alberta. Arthur farmed briefly at Botha, later gaining employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway where he worked for many years. In 1966, he became the Postmaster at Botha taking over that position upon the death of his wife. He retired from Postmaster in 1974. Arthur was a hard worker and was active in the Botha community. He was the "ice maker" at the local curling rink, a past mayor of the hamlet, an avid trapper, the local barber, cemetery grounds keeper, simply put he was a "jack of all trades". His special love however was music and Arthur was known all over Central Alberta as a musician in the "Ramblers" dance orchestra. He played his accordion, fiddle, banjo or guitar at many local events. Later Arthur moved to Heart Haven Lodge in Stettler. His long time friend Dorothy Brownlee moved to the home at the same time where she passed away in 2003. Arthur is survived by his two daughters and their immediate families; Alice May Stephenson of Red Deer, and Joyce Jean (Ed) Boyce of Grande Prairie. Grandchildren Brian (Chris) Stephenson, Cheryl Stephenson and Barry (Monika) Stephenson, Cindy (Brent) Oilund and great-grandchildren Joe Stephenson, Erin (Kyle) Schalk, Kai Stephenson and Elea Stephenson, Kirsten Oilund and David Oilund. Great-great-grandchildren Silas and Asher Schalk. The family of Arthur Johnson wish to thank both the Heart Haven Lodge and the Pine Ridge Continuing Care Facility for their wonderful care and attention to Arthur during his time at those residences. He truly considered them to be his home. A memorial service will be held at the Brennen Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with the Rev. Susan Bowyer of the Botha United Church officiating. A reception and fellowship will immediately follow the service in the Brennen Funeral Home Reception Area. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Art, memorial contributions may be made to the Stettler Health Services Foundation - Pine Ridge in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO who are entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
Condolences can be e-mailed to brennenf@telusplanet.net. 403.742.3315