Obituary of James Carl Johansen

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Carl Johansen in his home on October 14^th with his family by his side.

Carl is survived by his wife Janet to whom he was a loving and devoted husband for 66 years. His children, Trevor (Sandra), Patty (Bob), Ted, Chris (Nuala). Grandchildren – Aimee, Justin, Khris, Dustin, Logan, Annika and 10 great-grandchildren, his siblings, Fred, Ed, Rika, Marian & Christine as well many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Carl will be remembered as a true gentleman and the ‘life of the party’ with his larger-than-life presence and for his loyalty, generosity and kindness to friends and family. His grandchildren remember him as exceptional, hard working, caring, best friend, story teller, fun, active and the world’s greatest grandpa who always put family 1^st as he set the bar high and made us better people because of it. He loved deeply and laughed loudly.

Carl was born December 9^th 1932 in Smithers BC, later moving to Cranbrook with his parents and siblings at a young age. It was there that he met Janet, married and later moved to Kimberley to start his own family. Carl worked underground for Cominco and for the Department of highways. He spent most of his time in the great outdoors as an avid hunter and hunting guide, fisherman, gardener, cross country skier and huckleberry picker. Many will remember him for his time as the well-respected Refereeing Chief in the KIJHL and the WIHL where he trained many local referees and broke up many fights. Carl coached the Cranbrook Juveniles and midgets to provincial hockey championships 2 years in a row (1958-1960).  He was also a member of the local baseball teams the Hobos & Tempest in his younger years and went on to coach his children in minor ball and hockey.

After Carl retired, Janet and him loved camping traveling to Alaska, Mexico and many other destinations to visit family. He could be found on the golf course with his buddies or biking/skiing in the bush on his own. He also became a snowbird and spent many winters in Arizona/California making new friends.

Carl’s family would like to thank all the wonderful people who made it possible for him to remain at home – Care aids, House keepers, Kathie, Kat, Michelle, Julia, Andrea and his neighbors/friends in Collette Manor.

A special thanks to his two daughters in law, Sandra and Nuala who put their lives on hold to be with him in his last few weeks.

A Celebration of life will be held at the Elks Hall on November 18^th from 3- 6. Please come join us in telling stories about your time with Carl.

Donations can be made in Carl’s name to Stars Air Ambulance, Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (Calgary Chapter), or BC Cancer Agency.