It is with great sadness that we wish to announce the passing of Doug Johnson at Lake of the Woods District Hospital on November 15, 2022.
Doug was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Jim Johnson and his brother David (deceased 2020). He is survived by his brothers Ian (Pippi), and Jim Jr (Anne). He is also survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Johnson, his sons Chris (Tammy), Greg (Charmaine), daughter Jennifer, grandchildren Hannah and Noah and their father Aleem; Marilyn’s family, Andrea, Jennifer (Amy) and grandson Mason (Katie) and grandson Landis; Marilyn’s siblings David (Lynda), Debra and Cheryl. Doug is also fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews as well as the many lives he has touched within the community. Doug will always be remembered by his devoted work family at Frosted Foods. Their dedication to Doug helped him and his business thrive throughout the years.
Doug was born in Kenora on June 4, 1943, and graduated from the Kenora Keewatin District High School. He lived in Winnipeg in the 1960’s and he travelled across western Canada as a sales representative for Bonar & Bemis. A Canadian patriot, Doug joined the Cameron Highlanders in Winnipeg and wore the regimental colours proudly. He moved back to Kenora in 1974 to establish, with his partner Len Cleland, the butcher shop known as Consumers’ Frosted Foods which has operated for almost 50 years.
Doug loved to curl and was an avid golfer where he believed the game should be played by the rules. He introduced the Thursday Afternoon golfers to some of the finer points of scoring and was delighted to be called on to apply “regression” to a score. Through the 1990’s Doug served as a devoted member of the Kenora Golf and Country Club Board and was respected for his input and served as the president. Doug was also a member of the Jaycees in his early years, later served as a Kinsman and was active in the Rotary Club of Kenora until 2019, serving as its president in 1997-98. He was chair of the Northern Ontario Development Corporation and the Ontario Development Corporation. He also served as president of Chamber of Commerce.
Big in stature with a deep voice and a hardy laugh, Doug was a presence wherever he went, and he will be remembered as a kind and fair man. He had a good heart and was the friend of the underdog. He was an aficionado of the history of Kenora and was always delighted to tell new residents about Kenora families over the years. He was a voracious reader, and he possessed a good mind, a strong memory and paid such attention to detail that he could contend favourably in his ever-entertaining debates with his brother Ian. Doug loved political debates and liked to participate in discussions.
Doug‘s family and close friends would like to give special thanks to his good friend Dr Jim Beveridge who went above and beyond with his support through the years. The family would also like to thank Charlene Melillo (Palliative Care Nurse) at Lake of the Woods District Hospital. There are no words to describe the compassion that she showed to Doug and his family. And we would also like to thank the many staff at LWDH who participated in his care.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Alban’s Church. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Beveridge, Bruce Ormiston, Harry Green, Don Viinikka, Donny Beasant, Brian Ingo, David Hyckie and Don Cameron.
A celebration of his life will be conducted at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Johnson family.