Obituary of William Robert Johnson

Bob was born August 12, 1912 on a farm near Beechy, Saskatchewan to Theodore Johan and Lila Mae Johnson. In 1941 he married Edith Mary King. They went to live south east of Beechy on the breaks of the South Saskatchewan River. Here they were blessed with the presence of their daughter, Dorthea for a short time. In 1949 they moved their family by train and truck to make a ranch home in Upper Cache Creek, British Columbia. Bob loved the ranching life style. He rode saddle bronc, bareback, team roping, cow riding, wild horse race, wild cow milking, bull dogging, and calf roping at rodeos from 1931 until 1969, even riding at the Calgary Stampede from 1938 to 1941. He trapped and hunted to supplement the ranch income, and was very good at both. Bob passed away in his sleep March 1, 2010 at Dawson Creek Rotary Manor, where he had moved to the week before. He was enjoying the activities at Rotary manor, of singing, playing skittles and visiting with other pioneers. Bob is survived by his sister Dorothy Somsen; daughters Elaine Johnson, Melody (Gerry) Knutson; son Dale (Karen) Johnson; grandchildren Christene Johnson, Delia Eaves, Leanne (Rob) Esau, Cody (Pam) Johnson, Marianne (Dan) Novonty, Sean (Serena) Thomas, Benjamin Knutson, Jason (Jody) Knutson; great-grandchildren Daryan Turney, Colby Johnson, Alysha Johnson, Siena Eaves, Tucker Esau, Kendall Esau. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Edith; brothers, Theodore (Ted) Johnson, Harold Johnson; sister Glennis Perrin. A memorial tea will be held March 7, 2010 at the Cache Creek Community Hall from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Bob to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. With respect to Bob's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.