Arnold Berline Johnson

Arnold Berline Johnson, 83, passed away peacefully at Northwood Halifax Campus, surrounded by loved ones following a long and determined battle with COPD. Born in Halifax on his mother’s birthday, September 28th, 1935, he was the eldest child of the late Thomas Benjamin Johnson and Annie Mae (Huey) Johnson.

As a youth he developed a love for the military and enlisted in the Princess Louise Fusiliers as a reservist (5th field engineer regiment). He then went on to join the Merchant Marines (inland waters) and sailed the Great Lakes on the BA Peerless as a stoker. Following that, he returned to Halifax and apprenticed with George Roberts where he trained as a jeweler and subsequently went on to work for Birks and GB Murphy’s.

His work as a jeweler developed his artistic side and attention to detail. Those who were fortunate enough to receive one of his hand made bracelet charms or hand carved Christmas ornaments will cherish them forever.

He was a loving son, brother, father and friend. He will be remembered as a humble and kind man, with a great sense of humor, and kindness and compassion for others. He leaves a legacy of lasting friendships some spanning more than 50 years. He was a past member of the Royal Canadian Legion (branch 027) and the Army, Navy & Air Force Club, Citadel unit.

He is survived by and will be sadly missed by his sister Carolyn Johnson( Halifax); children: Blaire Johnson(Winnipeg); Patricia Johnson, Tommy (Amanda) Johnson; step sons: Michael (Gail) Pearson; Joseph Bracconear; all of Halifax; sister-in-law, Linda A. (late Joseph Johnson) (Amherst); former wife, Gail Pearson Johnson; grandchildren: Natasha and Troy Young; Tyler and Katie Pearson and great grand daughter Maisie; nieces & nephews: Tina Munro, Melissa Johnson, Kaila Occomore (Adam, Piper & Meredith); Brandy Henry; Kelsey Munro; PJ Johnson, Joseph Brown; his feline friend, Oscar. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brother Joseph, sister Linda and an infant sister at birth.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of 4C, Northwood Halifax campus, for their excellent care and compassion shown to Arnold and our family during his illness, as well as to the staff of Paramed Home Health who supported and cared for him while living at Sir John Thompson Manor.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 11th from 1-2 p.m. at with reception to follow. Rev. Marian Conrad officiating. Private family internment at a later date, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Lunenburg County.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lung Association of NS, Northwood Foundation, or charity of choice.