Raymond Fredrick Johnson

Raymond Fredrick Johnson passed away peacefully on, Jan 15, 2024.

He was born on Jan 18, 1930 in Longueville Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland and immigrated to Canada in 1953. Raymond worked as a journeyman carpenter until 1958 when he became a City of Regina firefighter. He retired in 1987 after 29 years of service. Dad and mom met “over the tomatoes” at the grocery supplier and it was love at first sight. They married May 12, 1956. A year later they began their family. Raymond was avidly involved in the firefighters social club. He was also an avid outdoors-man who enjoyed hunting, family camping and fishing trips. Dad was a family man enjoying Sunday drives in the country while eating cookies from the Dads Cookie factory. As a family we picked berries, Saskatoons, choke cherries and pin cherries. We spent many early morning hours trolling for fish. Family time also consisted of BBQs, board games, cards and picnics. As a true Irishman, dad recited many limericks and poems. This was one of his favourites, “The Cremation of Sam McGee”. Dad and mom also enjoyed travelling to places like Fiji, Ireland, England and Scotland to name few. They also enjoyed cruising to Alaska as well as driving the Alaskan highway. They travelled Canada coast to coast as well as many places in the United States. After retiring they moved to Armstrong BC and back to Regina Sk at the end of 2022.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Frances (Romman), his children Patricia (Keely), Katherine and Daniel. He has five grandchildren Kyleah (Nick), Zachary (Anna), Kathryn, Christopher (Brittney), Melanie (Rhys), four great grandchildren Mackenzie, Elliot, Everett, Aumi and one great great grandchild Archer. He is also survived by a brother Val in Ireland and numerous nieces and nephews in Ireland, England, Scotland, New Zealand and Canada. He is also survived by his wife’s sister Mildred, brother Richard ( Doreen) and sister- in- law Louise. Predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth (Weilly), three sisters and five brothers, infant daughter Kelly and grandson Neal. Also his wife’s two sisters, one brother and two brother-in-laws.

At Raymond’s request there will be No service. At a later date his ashes will be taken to Ireland. Up to his passing Raymond still had a very strong Irish accent and occasionally would speak some Gaelic words. In the spirit of a true Irishman we say good bye:

Ar dheis De’ go raibh a anam

May his soul be on Gods right hand

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; and the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.