Norman 'Earl' Johnson

With profound sadness we announce the death of our dearly loved husband father and brother, Norman “Earl” Johnson.

Earl was born in Fort Frances, ON. November 10, 1939 to Norman and Gertrude Johnson. He grew up in Fort Frances, attending local schools and upon graduation he enrolled in the Forestry program at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Upon graduation Earl began employment with Ontario-Minnesota Pulp & Paper Co. as a scaler.

In 1964, Earl moved to Kenora and began his career with the Dept. of Lands & Forests (now Ministry of Natural Resources). He also met his future wife in Kenora and in 1966 he and Carolyn Hathaway were wed.

Earl wanted to pursue career opportunities within the MNR and this resulted in transfers to different locations. Earl took positions in Kapuskasing, Parry Sound, Minden, Fort Frances and then a final move back to Kenora. By this time we were a family of 4 with son Erik and daughter Krista and we set down roots to establish our home in Kenora.

Earl was a military man. He was very involved with the 116th Field Battery, RCA in Kenora. He attained the rank of Major and became the Commanding Officer of the unit for 4 years.

Earl was a Past Master of Pequonga Lodge #414 in Kenora, and later became an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was a 4th Degree Knight, and was also a member of the Kenora Legion Branch 12.

Earl began studying Catholicism and after the loss of our son Erik in 1996 he found solace in this journey of faith and was welcomed as a member of Notre Dame Parish later that year. A few years later Earl was approached to enter into the Diaconate program run by the Diocese of Thunder Bay. In 2004, accompanied by his wife Carolyn, he began his studies in weekend sessions held in Thunder Bay with the aim of becoming a Deacon. In 2008 Earl was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Thunder Bay for service to his home parish of Notre Dame in Kenora.

Earl faithfully served his parish until his recent illness. He was happy to perform Baptisms, Weddings, visiting the sick or homebound, presiding at funerals and Celebration of Life services, and instructing at marriage preparation classes. He was happy to be on the altar and assisting Fr. Rudy at Masses. He was where he wanted to be.

Earl loved Aviation and shared that passion with friend Bob Wonacott. There was no aircraft or engine that he was not familiar with and even took a few flying lessons when living in Kapuskasing. Earl was a man of routines and started the day in prayer before rushing out the door to meet they guys at McDonalds for coffee. He was an avid reader, especially military history, and was a whiz at crossword puzzles. Earl, Carolyn and Krista took a trip to Victoria, BC in October to visit his sister Diane and be shown around the island and just enjoy those hours of family time. He said yes to life and his interests were many. We are so grateful for our time together.

Left to grieve his passing are his wife Carolyn, daughter Krista (Earl’s Kristabelle) and Mike, sister Diane, niece Lara (John & Amy) in Ireland, and cousins Janice (Paul) Doreen, Don, and Aunt Audrey Johnson. Many festive occasions were spent with friends Margaret Gordon, Rory & Glenda McMillan, Linda Clarke, Mary Ann & Ron Poirier, John and Barb Ross, Diane & Scott Gammage.

Earl had a smile for everyone he met and he happily welcomed the Notre Dame Parish congregation to weekend Masses.

Earl was a selfless man who was fulfilled by giving. A gentle and kind soul with a big heart and warm smile. A humble man who wouldn’t have believed how much he will be missed.

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at 11:00 am at Notre Dame du Portage Parish with Fr. Rudy Manaloto officiating. Lunch will follow in the church hall. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available at https://fweb.tv/97956

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Johnson family.