Leonard Johnson

Leonard Otto Johnson was born to Otto and Ella (Schau) Johnson August 31,1937 in Steinbach MB. Family records show that he was born in Sprague Mb. He was the 3rd born into a family of 5 boys and 3 girls. 

The following information was given by Leonard’s only surviving brother Wayne,  

Born in Sprague Mb, moved to Oak Point Mb with his family around 1940. Moved to Birch River in 1947-48. Attended Drury School, didn’t learn a damned thing. Leonard and George Malley sat at a desk at the back of the room and defied old Jack Hook to teach them anything. 

At the age of 16 he worked for farmers in what was then known as the Project North East of Birch River. At the age of 17 or 18 he went to work in Alberta. Len was pretty quiet most times but at one point he and some buddies from Whitecourt went to Edmonton to raise some hell until the city police showed up and run them out of town telling them to never come back. Anyway he stayed in Alberta for 2 or 3 more years, came back home and met a little waitress at the Birch River Cafe, the rest is well known history. 

Leonard married the Dolly (Sarah Delores Hanson) the little waitress on September 20,1958 at the manse of the Swan River United Church. Together they raised 5 children. In 1962 Leonard moved his small family to Thompson MB where he worked construction for Adrian Baker Construction. The family relocated back to Birch River in 1971. Leonard worked primarily in logging after the move back to Birch River. In 1988 they relocated to Rocky Mountain House as he and his brother Wayne had moved their logging business west. While in Alberta they also lived in Wildwood where they made many close friends that became family. 

Retirement brought them to Benito MB where they made close friends that also became family. Dad loved to garden with mom, they canned the produce and enjoyed sharing it with friends and family. Dad was known for growing garlic as well. He took great pride in growing, harvesting and preparing garlic to pass along to his family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking, especially homemade soup and fried bannock. 

Leonard is survived by his children, Jon, Ann (Randy) Harris, Cindy (Gene) Schreyer, Leonard Jr, Ted (Thanya) , 6 grandchildren , Ariel, Brett, Michael, Caleb, Shannon and Jenna and 7 great grandchildren. Brother Wayne (Eileen) Johnson and sister Lara (Eugene) Kobelka.  

Leonard was predeceased by his wife Dolly (Sarah Delores Hanson), a grandson, brothers Lyle, Kon and Ben, sisters Ruth (Robinson) and Johanna (Sushelnicki), two nieces, two nephews, his parents and mother-in-law. 

 As per Leonard’s wishes a private family service was held at the Bellsite Cemetery on Aug 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm.

Should friends so desire, donations in Leonard’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard Johnson, please visit our floral store.