Barrie Vernon Hartshorn Johnson 1937 - 2020 Canada

Barrie Vernon Hartshorn Johnson
BIRTH
31 Mar 1937
Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada
DEATH
26 Jan 2020 (aged 82)
BURIAL
Chilliwack Cemeteries
Chilliwack, Fraser Valley Regional District, British Columbia, Canada
MEMORIAL ID
229801130 · View Source
MEMORIAL
PHOTOS 2
FLOWERS 1
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of BARRIE Vernon Hartshorn JOHNSON, surrounded by his loving wife and family, January 26th, 2020, at the age of 82.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia on March 31st 1937, Barrie was the eldest of two sons born to Albert Vernon Hartshorn and May Johnson.

Barrie was a Boy Scout and Army Cadet before enlisting in the Regular Army. He trained in the armoured corps and served in several different units in Canada, as well as in Germany, and with the UN in Cyprus. After twenty five years, Sgt Johnson wasn't quite ready to hang up his uniform though. Retiring to Vancouver, he continued to serve in the Reserve Force (Militia) at the same unit he had joined as a cadet. He took his final release in 1987, but maintained a military presence for many years through several associations.

Barrie also had a civilian career after leaving the army full time. He went back to school, eventually earning his Journeyman (Red Seal) Certification as an electrician and working for the Vancouver School Board until 1999.

In his spare time, Barrie put his natural artist talents to good use. He learned how to work with wood and his almost master-craftsman-like skills created hundreds of items over the years. His artistry was expressed in many ways throughout his life. He painted, sketched and made models. He played various musical instruments and enjoyed adding his voice to the melody all the time. To the end, music and singing always brought him great comfort and joy.

While serving with the Lord Strathcona Horse Regiment in Calgary in 1957, Barrie met a beautiful young lady named Eleanora. They fell in love almost immediately, and when posting orders almost ended their romance, they quickly devised a plan. Many weeks after being separated, they were reunited in Europe and married within days.

In 62 years of marriage, Barrie and Eleanora raised five children together. Seventeen grandchildren followed and, more recently, seven great-grandchildren as well.

Barrie is pre-deceased by his Mother, May Johnson, his Father, Albert Johnson, his brother, Donald Wayne Johnson, his daughter Eileen Joanna Moores and grandson Kevin Pagh Sorensen (193708014).

Barrie is survived by his Wife, Eleanora and their children Donna (Robert) Vit of Vancouver, Washington, Richard (Tracy) Johnson of Langley, BC, Pat (Laurie) Johnson of Richmond, BC & Beth (Carsten) Sorensen of Chilliwack, BC. Grandchildren – Spencer, Adam & Sarah Moores, Eric, Josh (Kaitrin), Katie & Becky Vit, Miles, Luke, Cody & Teri Johnson, Amber, Tanya (Jeremiah), Kira & Chase Johnson and Nicole Sorensen. Great Grandchildren Shayla & Ryelan Spring, Nathaniel, Jordan & Isabelle Goosen, Aries Moores & Olivia Vit.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on February 15th, 2020 from 1 - 4 pm at the SureStay Hotel (by Best Western) 43971 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, British Columbia.



Inscription
Soldier, Husband and Great Grampa. Family, Honour and Service.
Always in our Hearts
Family Members
Parents

Mae Blakey Johnson
1903–1990

Children

Eileen Joanna Moores
1958–2006