Mr. Ronald Conant Johnson

Beloved husband of Allyson and father of Stephen, Bill, and Nathan, Ron passed away peacefully in his sleep. He also leaves his brother, Parker; his sister, Mickey; brother-in-law, Jim Breen; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

An English professor at UBC for almost 30 years, his specialization was 16th -century literature, but he enjoyed American lit, science fiction, fantasy, and humorous American mysteries or those that centred around horse racing. His literary interests were wide-ranging, and he liked to write poetry.

His other enthusiasms ranged from fishing and camping when young to horse racing, poker, golf, the Chicago Bears, and even art, being particularly supportive of his wife’s art and often taking part in and even coordinating exhibitions.

He won two scholarships, one to the University of Chicago, and a naval scholarship to the University of Illinois. He chose the latter and after receiving his B.A., served in the navy for three years, spending much of that time in Naples. Returning to the University of Illinois, he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. During that time, he also taught as a lecturer at Ames, Iowa. In 1964, he moved his young family to Canada to join the department of English at the University of British Columbia, where he served as Chair of both English 100 and English 200.

Because of his days in the navy, especially in Naples, he loved all things Italian – the food, the wine, the music, and the art. He loved to travel, driving all over Great Britain and Europe during his sabbaticals. Later, after retiring and marrying his second wife, Allyson, with his love of the sea and ships, he embarked on eleven cruises, from Italy, Greece, and Istanbul to Amsterdam, St. Petersburg, and even the Orkney Islands. He especially loved Venice and Alaska.

Easy-going and tolerant, he was a kind, caring, genial man who made friends easily and, joining a Philosopher’s Café, loved to debate, and as part of a singing group, enjoyed singing. He was truly a bon vivant, embracing life with gusto and enthusiasm. He was also a loving father who always took care of his family, and he will be lovingly missed by his wife, sons, and all who knew him.

His funeral will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3M1, on Saturday, November 5 at 1:00pm.