William Brett Johnston

Brett Johnston, longtime resident of both Prince George and West Kelowna BC, passed away September 22, 2022, with family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lydia; his daughter Carla (Frank); granddaughter Journey; step-grandsons Kyle (Mika), Leigh and Brett; and sister Roberta (Bill). Special mention too of his nephews and nieces, for whom Uncle Brett had a special adoration.

Brett was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. As a teenager, he moved to Regina to attend Luther College and then, by happenstance, moved to Estevan for an undertaking apprenticeship that became his career. Following their marriage in 1970, Brett and Lydia moved to Prince George for Brett to take a full-time position with Assman’s Funeral Chapel and soon thereafter became the owner/operator. After 20 years in PG, he and Lydia retired to pursue their dreams of building a waterfront home on Shuswap Lake, spending winters in Arizona, travelling both in their fifth-wheel and abroad, and ultimately settling in West Kelowna for their later retirement years.

Brett was well known for his special brand of humour, his engaging storytelling, and his endless inventory of jokes. He was an accomplished piano player, a skilled tenor barbershop and choir singer, and loved music best when others were making music with him. He loved current events, world history and political debate. He loved sweets, card playing, a good murder mystery and his many little dogs he owned over the years. Brett was an example to us all of what it means to stand your ground on your opinions, to own your imperfections, and to see the glass as at least half full. Always. No exceptions. We will especially miss his genuine interest in our goals and ambitions, his generosity of spirit, and his natural gift for inclusivity.

A Service for Brett will be held Saturday, October 22 at 1:00 pm at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kelowna, with a pub gathering in West Kelowna to follow (all are welcome, contact family for reservation details).

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299