It is with profound sadness that we announce Mr. Donald ‘Don’ Alexander Johnson lost his hard-fought battle against dementia, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the age of 86 years. Don was born on June 21, 1937, in Amisk, Alberta to Harriette and Alec Johnson, the eldest of three children. He was very close to his siblings and was a caring, protective big brother. Don spent his childhood in Ardley and Nordegg. Don was a vibrant man who was full of life, had a great sense of humour, and had a deep love for his family. Don loved the Nordegg area with its mountains and lakes throughout his life, often returning for camping trips involving dirt biking or four-wheeling up the mountains with family and friends. In 1955, the family moved to Delburne, where Don worked as a heavy equipment operator. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Ruby Nicholson, who was Don’s sister’s eighth-grade teacher. At the end of the following school year, on July 8, 1960, they got married. They lived in Red Deer, where Don was a truck driver moving oil rigs and later, a cement truck driver. They started their family while living on the South Hill in Red Deer. In 1967, Don became employed with the Red Deer Fire Department as a firefighter. His career spanned thirty-two years. He took great pride in being a firefighter and thoroughly enjoyed sharing amusing anecdotes about his job. He was quite a practical joker, often orchestrating some of the hijinks at work and sometimes involving friends. Even when dementia had a strong hold on Don, he would get teary-eyed and choked up while looking at his retirement photo with the men on his platoon and would state “those were my guys.” Don also did odd jobs on his days off over the years, such as hauling propane, building steel grain bins, and owning and operating a furnace cleaning truck. In the early ‘70s, he and Ruby bought an acreage in Balmoral that was Ruby’s parents’ original homestead. Don loved the acreage, as it kept him busy with upkeep and allowed him to spend time outdoors. They lived there happily for forty-four years. They then moved into a house in town, as the amount of work needed to maintain an acreage took its toll. Don had a love for all creatures big and small, feeding the birds and deer in the cold Alberta winters. He shared a very close bond with his daughter’s golden retriever, who adored him in equal measure. Don was an active person who enjoyed many outdoor pursuits such as dirt biking, four-wheeling, camping, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. In 1990, he crossed off a bucket list item–cycling from Jasper to Banff. He completed the 16.5 hour journey (308 km) in three days. He also enjoyed old-time dancing, going for scenic drives, traveling via bike/plane/boat or motorhome, spending time with family and friends, and celebrating the holiday season. He did his own shopping throughout the year and wrapped all the gifts he purchased himself, often doctoring up Ruby’s gifts so she had to work extra hard to open them. Many friends and family will fondly remember Don calling out to his wife in a booming voice, “Ruby, are ya’ rarin’?” prior to them taking their leave. Ruby looked after Don at home for many years after the onset of dementia, and it was only in October 2023 that he was placed in a care facility. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruby; his children, Brian and Debbie; and his grandchildren, Tessa, Calum, and Noah. Don will be sadly missed by his siblings, June (Terry) Rollinson and their daughters, Trina (Mat) and Tanya (Mike) and their families; and Ken (Brenda) Johnson and their daughters, Heather and Marci (Raj) and their families as well as other family members and dear friends. The family appreciates the care Don received at the Timberstone Mews Memory Care Unit. They also express their utmost gratitude to the staff of Horizon House at Centennial Centre in Ponoka for their exceptional care during Don’s stay, especially during his last few days. Not only did they attend to Don’s needs in a kind and respectful manner, but they gave wonderful support to the family. A private family gathering has been held. If desired, memorial donations in Don’s honor may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta at www.alzheimer.ca. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-06-16
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com