William James Johnson 

May 27, 1962 – June 29, 2022

It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of William James Johnson on June 29, 2022.

William was born in Whitewood, Saskatchewan to Donald and Marion (nee Clark), the eldest of three boys.

William’s childhood was full of joy. Growing up on the ranch, he developed an affinity for horses and a love of showing cattle. That love of ranching grew throughout his life and set out on his own to Montana where he became a full-fledged cowboy. In 1985 William was visiting his parents in Cumberland House attending a local dance where he met the love of his life, Janis (nee Locke), introduced by his parents and her sister Janet. They made many phone calls and long-distance visits until they decided to settle together in Christopher Lake. On Wednesday August 8, 1987 they wed. To this union two children David, in 1991 and Brett in 1993 were loved. In the early years, William worked trucking jobs and finally found his true calling. In 1996, he and Janis bought Anderson Building Movers and together they built up the business. William worked very hard and covered many miles to make the company what it is today. William was an active and proud member of International Association of Structural Movers, serving as a director for many years and was the president in 2005. He was a founding member of The Saskatchewan Building Movers Association, traveling all over North America to conventions and on vacations with the family, William became a globetrotter.  With every person William met, he made a connection or found mutual acquaintances, there was always something William would discover in common with any person he met. He always said he never met a stranger; he had a gift of making everyone feel like a friend from the minute he met them at hello. His larger-than-life presence was always the life of any event, he enjoyed being with his family hosting events at the farm, seeing a new or old friend and always being there to help  anyone who needed a hand.

He will be dearly missed every day, but whenever times are hard, we can reflect on his words of wisdom “It will be fine”.

William memory will be cherished by his wife, Janis, children: David (Amber) and Brett, father, Donald, brothers: Robert (Rebecca) and Lyle (Sarah), grandson, Colter, numerous            siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

William was predeceased by his mother Marion (nee Clark), father-in-law, Archie Locke, mother-in-law, Iona Locke (nee Craig), grandparents: James (Marjorie) Clark and David (Ella) Johnson.

In lieu of other tributes, donations in William’s Memory can be made to The Okema Society Anglican Church Camp, The Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert, or The International Association of Structural Movers Scholarship Fund.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Christopher Lake, SK.  As William was a down to earth, hard-working man, to honour him, the family requests that you dress in casual attire. William touched many lives and made friends everywhere he went.  Due to the limitations on the church size but not the size of his friendships, a livestream link will be available for those that choose to view from their comforts of home.  There will be a book to sign at Gray’s Funeral Chapel that will be passed on to the family and a memorial card as a keepsake.  If you wish to view the service, the live stream link is www.grays.ca/memorial-videos/.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.

 

• Date : 2022-06-29
• Location : Christopher Lake, SK