Ian Richard Johnson

Ian was born in Kamloops on April 11, 1977. He grew up in North Vancouver with his parents Tony and Linda Johnson and older brother David. Ian treasured happy memories of growing up in Pemberton Heights where he met his best friend of 42 years Ryan Lindner in pre-school. Ian was one to reminisce about the past. Ian and his family enjoyed family camping trips to Whidbey Island. For 15 years the Johnson family and Henderson family camped together. Ian and his brother had great fun with Mandy and Gordon swimming and exploring. Ian and his family also went on road trips through the United States. Ian shared great times with his dad hiking and learning to weight train. He talked fondly of attending a Michael Jackson concert at 5 years old with his mom where he got to wave a large white gloved hand.

Ian met is life partner Kelly Saunders in July 2017. They spent happy times on road trips, attending concerts and stand-up comic shows. They have 2 fur kids Bobby and Bella. Much time was spent hanging out with Ryan Lindner and his wife Sheri Goesen. Ian always made an effort to watch Ryan and Sheri’s kids play sports and cheered them on. Ian was very family-oriented and spent time with Kelly’s mother Louise Saunders and taking the ferry to the Sunshine Coast to visit his mother. He participated happily in Mother’s Day High Tea and cat birthday parties. Ian loved Christmas and would spend hours investigating the perfect gifts for his loved ones. As a child Ian would often decorate his own room for Christmas including a live tree he dug out of the ground.

As an adult Ian found his niche at drilling in the construction industry. He spent 20 years at this and was well known in the industry. Drilling took Ian to job sites throughout greater Vancouver, the Okanagan and Alaska.

Ian enjoyed working on his own vehicles and friends and family relied on his mechanical skills. He had a photographic memory for any car he laid eyes on and could tell you the make, model and year for any car on the road. He was particular in keeping his vehicles looking clean and sharp. Just like his vehicles Ian always looked fly with never a hair out of place. He was a silver fox.

Ian had a soft spot for animals and often rescued cats and dogs in his childhood and adult life. He had his hands full when he brought a pregnant cat Biscuits home. He had a big heart and was always willing to help those in need.

It cannot go unsaid that Ian had a great sense of humor and was ever so funny. He could turn anyone’s frown into a big smile.

Ian was pre-deceased by his father Tony (January 2021) and his brother David (May 2014). He is survived by his mother Linda and life partner Kelly. He will be sadly missed and forever loved and adored by his family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ian held in North Vancouver on July 29, 2023 at 2:00pm. Please contact Kelly (778-668-0102) for further details and to R.S.VP.

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone

It’s all part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know.

Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

By Christina Rossetti