Obituary of Bud Johnson

Bud Johnson 1936 ~ 2013 Bud (Mervin Allen) Johnson was born in the Township of Orford, Ontario on September 14, 1936 and passed away on September 18, 2013 at the age of 77. He was the second youngest in a family of nine children - three brothers and five sisters. Bud was predeceased by his parents, George and Ethel, brothers Elton and Harold, and sisters Pearl, Evelyn, Claire, Marion and Doris. He lost his daughter, Lillian Askoty and her mother, Diane, in a tragic automobile accident in 2002 on the Taylor Hill. Bud's mom passed away when he was only six years old so he missed out on all of that motherly love most of us are fortunate enough to experience. After working with his dad and his brother Elgin driving truck, Bud decided to strike out on his own at the age of 13. Bud was a hard worker and was soon known as a jack-of-all trades. He was always there to lend a helping hand and he loved to work the land which he did until he moved to Vancouver, BC in September of 1966. Once there, Bud made two big changes in his life. He was married to Diane and he changed his career to gas fitting. Two of his greatest memories were in 1967 and 1970 when his sons David and Darrin were born. In 1972 the family moved north to Charlie Lake, BC. Bud worked at various jobs until he started his own business known as Bud's Heating. In 1976 the family purchased a farm in Montney, BC and it was there that the family became Christians and parishioners of the Upper Pine Gospel Chapel. Next they purchased a convenience store at Rose Prairie, BC which they ran until 1981. In 1980, Bud and Diane adopted two little girls, Lillian and Priscilla. This became another special memory for him. Shortly thereafter, Bud became a single parent. This proved to be a very difficult time for him, but with his strong faith in God and the support of the many people in his church, he continued to work hard and provide for himself and his children. Bud was a very dedicated father and friend to his children. He loved camping, helping out at bible camps and being an active member of his church. He tried to return all of the support he was given by helping out wherever and whenever he could. He made lifelong friendships with some of the church members and was forever grateful to them for being there when he needed them most. In 1986 Bud and his family moved to Fort St. John and Bud still continued to work at both of his jobs, farming and heating. He was on 24 hour call with his heating business and he spent many nights on the back roads doing service work. Most who knew Bud knew he was a doer. He never sat still for long and when he tackled something he did it with gusto. He was always there if anyone needed help and everyone knew they could count on Bud. Bud met Lucille in 1985 when he was working on her aunt's farm in Rose Prairie, BC. They became close friends and spent many hours on the phone. In 1990, Bud developed endocarditis and had to be air ambulanced to Vancouver. This illness damaged his heart and in 1996 he had to have open-heart surgery in Vancouver. When he came back he needed medical assistance so he moved to Dawson Creek where Lucille could help him. He needed a second open-heart surgery in 2006 followed by ankle surgery in 2008 and back surgery in 2009. Over the years Bud became a friend and step-dad to Lucille's two son's Brad and Brock and also inherited an extended family. All of his friends and family knew if they wanted help they could go to Bud. Every year Bud and Lucille would try to travel to the Coast to see Bud's brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Sharon, who were there to support Bud through his difficult journey. They came to Tumbler Ridge in February/March of 2013 and gave Bud much love and support. He loved them dearly. In 2002, Bud and Lucille traveled to Niagara Falls to attend Brock and Tina's wedding and they then visited several of Bud's relations whom he hadn't seen for many years. This was a very special time for Bud because he was able to reminisce about old times and build on his relationships with his siblings and other relations. When they returned to Dawson Creek they decided to sell and buy a home in Tumbler Ridge where Bud continued to do what he loved best - work. He tackled the house with a vengeance. If he didn't have anything to do he created something. The highlight of his time in Tumbler Ridge was when his brother Elgin flew out to BC from Ontario. After Elgin went home they both made sure they kept in touch by telephone. Bud was a loving father and friend and his smiling face will be missed by many. Bud is survived by his friend and companion, Lucille Jacobsen, his brother Elgin from Blenheim, Ontario; sons David and Darrin; his daughter Priscilla; grandchildren Michelle, Tyler and Allison and two great grandchildren Andrea and Allison. He also had many nieces and nephews in Southern Ontario. Bud requested there be no service to celebrate his life because he felt he celebrated every day he was alive anyway. He wants those who loved and cared for him to remember the fondest memory they have of him and that would be celebration enough. Cremation arrangements were carried out by Bergeron's Funeral Home and Crematorium. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Bud to the Upper Pine Gospel Chapel, PO Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC V0C 2H0