Obituary of Roderick Wharton Johnson

Rod Johnson passed away peacefully at Westford Nursing Home surrounded by his family, on Friday, November 1, 2013 after a period of failing health. Born on December 4, 1919 in Port Elgin, N.B., he was the son of the late David and Leona (Allen) Johnson. Rod was a life-long resident of Port Elgin, except from 1939-1945, when he served with the Canadian Army, North Shore regiment. He was part of the D-Day Landing at Normandy and was wounded a month later in France. While recuperating in England he met Edna White of Noel Road, Nova Scotia, (CWAC) and they married in Aldershot in 1945. Returning home, Rod worked for NB Power, then operated a Gulf Service Station in Timber River, retiring in 1975. In his younger days, he was Chief of the Port Elgin Fire Department, a member of Town Council and he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 65 years. He was also a member of the Westmorland Masonic Lodge #44 and Shriners. He enjoyed fishing, fly-tying, woodworking, trap shooting, hunting, storytelling and he was an awful tease. Rod will be dearly missed by his children, Gary (Cheryl) and their children, Ann Marie and Terry; Grace (Rod) and her children, Jody and Stacey and Don (Colleen); his sister, Isobel Peacock (late Robert); sister-in-law, Hazel (late Alfred); brother-in-law, Tommy (Jean); four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his wife Edna in 2008; brothers, Ernest, Dave and Duke and by his sisters, Madeline and Helen. Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B. (364-8188). In keeping with Rod’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visiting hours will take place on Monday, November 4, 2013 from 7-9 pm, downstairs at the Trinity United Church in Port Elgin. Westmorland Lodge #44 will hold a Masonic Service at 6:40 pm Monday evening, followed by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #81, Cape Tormentine service at 7 pm. The funeral service will take place at the Trinity United Church on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 2 pm with Wayne Jarvis, DLM, officiating. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Burial will take place in the Fernwood Cemetery, Port Elgin. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rod may be made to the Westford Nursing Home or to the charity of one’s choice. A sincere thank-you to the entire staff of Westford Nursing Home for their loving care and attention over the past two years.