In Memoriam

Eugene Manuel Johnson, BASc’49

Eugene Manuel Johnson passed away at his home on the Sunshine Coast on February 16, 2011, after a courageous and dignified six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Gene was born on October 25, 1925, in Revelstoke, BC, where he lived until he enlisted in the army in 1942. In September 1945 he enrolled at UBC and graduated in 1949 as president of his graduating class. Happy summers during those years were spent as a fishing guide at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River. He enjoyed a successful 30-year career in management at Canadian General Electric until his retirement in 1982.

After the sudden and tragic loss of his wife, Norma, in 1971, Gene found love again and married Christel in 1973. Gene and Christel enjoyed many happy years together sharing their passion for travel, yoga, tennis, gardening and bridge. An avid golfer, he was able to spend countless hours in retirement at the Sunshine Coast Golf Club with his friends and family. He loved to read and in his last few months he enjoyed revisiting his favourite classic novels and poetry. Gene served for
many years on the board of St. Mary’s Hospital in Sechelt, BC.

Gene is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Christel; his adoring children, David, LLB’78, (Dorothy), Karen, Gordon, BASc’81, (Joanne), Rob, BSc’86, (Wendy); and beloved grandchildren Eric, Colin, Quinn, Cameron and Clara. Predeceased by brother Alan, he leaves behind sister Vivian Osing (Herb), brother-in-law Gerhard Klodner (Alicje), sister-in-law Myrtle Piercy and several nieces and nephews.

Gene had many cherished friends, touched so many lives, and leaves a legacy of love, countless stories and memories that testify to his extraordinary intelligence, integrity, compassion and humour.