OBITUARY: Herbert Delmar Johnson

Herbert Delmar Johnson

Herbert Delmar Johnson, 99, passed away on March 2, 2023 in Mesquite, NV. He was born July 8, 1923 in Killarney, Manitoba, Canada to George Seymour Johnson and Thelma McNamee. He moved from his home town of Killarney, Manitoba to London, Ontario, to England, to Belgium, to Wisconsin, to Florida, to New York, to Montana, and finally to Nevada.

In every place, Herb gathered people with one intention; to celebrate life and generously share all of its abundance and joy. From the many dinner parties, fishing escapades, rounds of golf, weekly bridge, rambunctious poker games, to loading a charcoal stove, hotdogs, kool-aide and cheesies, for picnicking at the Pancake Islands on Georgian Bay, Ontario, to quacking at the ducks and snapping his fingers to call in the chipmunks and little birds, beloved dad and friend knew how to gather all the “right’ ingredients to create a “happy hour” that nourished everyone. People he met throughout his life retired to Florida to be near him.

Herb was not only gifted with an unlimited generous spirit, he was also a brilliant man. He earned his engineering degree from the University of Toronto following his enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. He went on to have a very successful executive career with 3M that took him around the world. After retirement, Herb continued to travel extensively around the world.

He was a loyal and loving leader of three families. He first married Helen Elizabeth “Liz” Magee, and they raised three girls together. After Liz passed away, he met and later married Betty Smith, who also preceded him in death. He had another twenty years with Virginia “Ginny” Park, and she grieves alongside with everyone. He was overjoyed by the love of so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Herb knew how to bring the energy. He was boundless energy. He was generous. He was kind. He was honest. He loved nature, the farm, and gardening. He loved and protected his family. He was compassionate. He cared about people and the planet.

He knew how to integrate grief and move forward. Now he has courageously taken another step into that Great Eastern Sun, into the boundless love of God.

“He will be missed immeasurably, but may all be comforted by the light and joy that this beloved man so joyously wove between us. We celebrate his life. Until our souls reunite, we love you and thank you. “Herb, play in peace”.

Herb is survived by his three children: Lynn Stevenson, Beverly Qualheim, and Patti Desante; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and his beloved Ginny. He is preceded in death by his wife Liz; his second wife Betty; his parents, George and Thelma Johnson; his six siblings: Wilf, Ross, Eileen, Jack, Leona, and Gail; and infant granddaughter, Maggie Beth Stevenson.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Drive, London, Ontario, Canada.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.