Verner Albert Johnson was born Aug 23 1925 to Helmer & Anna Johnson in the Shell Lake area on the farm he lived on for the next 77 years.  He passed away quietly on October 16, 2015 in Spiritwood Sk. Verner attended Heart of Wheat School a few miles from his home with his sisters Violet, Mable, Hazel, Lynn and Doris.  

Verner left school after grade 7 and began farming with his Dad.  In those days a young man of 14 was expected to pull his weight on the farm.

He enjoyed playing hockey on the Paddling Lake team, and ball at sports days. Verner and his teammates traveled to Avebury and Shell Lake by horse and sleigh for curling bonspiels that often lasted all night. He continued to enjoy playing and watching these sports for many years.  In 1951 Verner & Phyllis Douglas were married, becoming a family when Doug was born 1952, Donna followed in 1954 and Diane in 1957.

Verner farmed with his father, later his son Doug, and son-in-law Ron Strate. The three worked together sharing labor and machinery for many years.  Verner loved farming both grain and livestock but horned Herefords were his favorite. Giving up farming was probably the hardest thing he had to do.

Verner, like his Dad and Grandpa Olson always enjoyed carpentry.  At 13 he helped build their hip roof barn. He used his skills on many farm projects, his childrens house construction and renovations, and the construction of lovely furniture.

Nothing was more thrilling than getting his pilot’s licence and buying a plane.  It had been a life long dream to fly and at 54 years, he finally did it. 

Verner never shied away from a job that required a lot of work, whether

fencing the Big Stone Pasture in the ‘50’s with crowbars, post malls and axes or pouring concrete into 7 ft. forms with a pail for the renovation of their basement, all of these were done with the help of his friends. Verner’s greatest joy was the birth of his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

After Verner & Phyllis moved to Shell Lake, he enjoyed meeting new people in the community and often toured them around the area.  He enjoyed his time as councilor in the RM of Spiritwood and was active in the Shell Lake Lion’s club and curling club, and served for years on the Memorial Lake Regional Park board. He supported many local activities and projects.

Verner is lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Doug (Eileen) Johnson and family: Jill (Scott) Johnson and children Kiara and Mya. Donna (Ron) Strate and family Bonnie (Trevor) Mandziak and children Jessica, Tanner, Alexis and Jaxon. Angie (Claude) Denis and children Charlie, Emmett, Reese, and Sloane. Scott (Amy) Strate and children Sierra and Benson. Diane (Ron) Perkins and family: Riley (Lisa) Perkins and children Avery, Drew and Zenon. Mitch (Amber) Perkins and Stephanie Perkins.

His sisters: Mable Harris, Hazel Cowley, Lynn Goshawk, Doris (Jim) McElgunn. His brothers in law: Ted (Allene) Douglas, Bob Douglas and Ervin Buckingham.

He is predeceased by: His parents Helmer and Anna Johnson, His step mother Alma, His sister Violet (Hector) Duncan, his sister in law Pat Buckingham, His brothers in law, Ed Harris, Wilf Goshawk and Orville Cowley.

The funeral service for Verner will be held on Tuesday, October 20th, 2015 at 2:00 pm from the Lion’s Hall in Shell Lake, SK.  Memorial donations may be sent to Partners In Worship Church, Shell Lake or the choice of the donor.  Those wishing to send private online condolences are invited to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  The Johnson Family has entrusted arrangements to Edward Beaulac of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home Ltd of Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500

• Date : 2015-10-16
• Location : Spiritwood, SK