It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norman Orlan Johnson. Norman passed away at the age of 89 years at the Overlander Care Home in Kamloops, BC, on December 6, 2024, after a lengthy illness with dementia.

Norman was born on November 15, 1935, in Canwood, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth of seven children born to George and Lucy Johnson (née Head). He lived on the family homestead, helping to run the farm until he was about 20 years old, when the mountains and lakes of British Columbia called to him. He moved to Port Alberni, BC, where he worked at the Somass Sawmill as a carrier driver and eventually earned his millwright ticket.

In 1958, Norman met his future wife, Lena (née Ethier), whom he married on January 31, 1959, in Port Alberni, BC. Together, they had four children: Wanda, Darrel, Karen, and Brent.

In the spring of 1974, Norman and his family moved north to Houston, BC, where he worked in the sawmills and later co-owned a sawmill with other family members. They cut various sizes and types of lumber, with railroad ties being the most lucrative product. While the men cut the ties, the kids peeled them for 25 cents apiece.

Over the years, Norman became a skilled carpenter and built many houses for family and friends. He also worked on major construction projects, including the mines at Equity Silver in Houston and Bullmoose and Quintette Mines in Tumbler Ridge, BC.

Norman was an avid fisherman, both in the ocean and on lakes. He loved hauling in giant halibut and salmon, and his family enjoyed many feasts of crab, shrimp, and other seafood he caught. Camping was another of Norman’s passions, and he and Lena spent many happy years “boondocking” in the Arizona deserts with friends and family.

Norman retired at the age of 64 and enjoyed many years pursuing the activities he loved. In 2001, he and Lena fulfilled their dream of traveling across Canada in their motorhome. They especially cherished the atmosphere and friendliness of Newfoundland, stopping in small towns and enjoying lobster dinners in church basements. Over the years, Norman and Lena lived in several places, including Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, Drumheller, and finally Kamloops, BC.

Norman is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lena; his children: Wanda (Rory) of Kamloops, BC, Darrel (Kim) of Prince George, BC, Karen (Brett) of Drumheller, AB, and Brent of Topley, BC; his grandchildren: Tanya of Kamloops, BC, Jason of Osa Village, Costa Rica, Serena, Ashley, and Ryan of Drumheller, AB; and his great-grandson, Jaxton of Richmond, BC. He is also survived by his brother, Ervin (Shirley) of Prince George, BC, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com