Gerald Ernest Johnson
February 9, 1948 - January 20, 2024
Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in the CCTC at LHSC Victoria Hospital, at the age of 75 on January 20, 2024 after a brief and courageous battle with BPDCN, a rare and aggressive bone marrow cancer.
Gerald was born in London on February 9, 1948, son of the late Gordon Johnson (1915-1982) and Shirley (Smith) Johnson (1917-1984). Loving husband of Jean (Free) for 52 years. Proud and loving father and father-in-law of David and Dana Johnson, Jennifer and Stephen Black and Kathryn and Jason Lambert. Gerald was very proud of his four amazing grandchildren: Carter and Lizzy Black, and Jocelyn and Samantha Lambert. He will be remembered by Dana’s children, Shae & Garrett Dimmers and Tyler Donley.
Gerald was honoured to be the brother and brother-in-law of Ron and Mary Johnson, Elaine and Geoff Clays and Leanne and Jerry Wyatt. He is remembered fondly by several nieces and nephews.
Gerald was predeceased by his infant brother Frederick (1942) and Jean’s parents Harvey Free (1924-2020) and Margaret (Nichol) Free (1926-1994).
Besides his love for his family and for his farm (Nuview Farms), Gerald loved his community and firmly believed in contributing back to his community, the dairy industry and its related organizations. He was the Past President of the Middlesex 4-H Leaders Association, the Middlesex Holstein Association and the Thorndale Agricultural Society. He served as a regional delegate with EastGen (and its predecessors) and GayLea Foods Co-operative Ltd.
Gerald was a “peoples’ person”, he always tried to make a Thorndale connection. In his “spare” time, he enjoyed over 50 years of social curling with the St. Marys Curling Club and he always looked forward to spending time with the Thorndale area Social Club. In recent years, he and Jean enjoyed the opportunity of travel and again they made a number of new friends when travelling from coast to coast in Canada, as well as to many other countries.
A private family memorial service and burial at Zion Hill 7th Line Cemetery will be held. Visitation with family and friends will take place on Thursday, January 25 and on Friday, January 26 from 1-5 p.m. each day at the Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London.
Jean and Gerald’s family are grateful for the compassionate care Gerald received from everyone at LRCC and from the staff on C-7 and CCTC. Please consider memorial donations in Gerald’s name to the Middlesex 4-H Association (633 Lions Park Drive, Unit 4, Mount Brydges, Ontario N0L 1W0, phone: 519-697-9003) or the Thorndale Agricultural Society (P.O. Box 258, Thorndale Ontario, N0M 2P0).
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We are very sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was a fine man and will be missed by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences to you all.
A donation has been made to Thorndale Agricultural Society. Message from the donator: With our deep sympathy to all the Johnson family!!
Dear Jean and family. We just heard of Gerald’s passing. We send our deepest sympathy. Cherish the good memories. RIP
Dear Jean and family, We just heard this evening of Gerald’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Cherish the wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and
A donation has been made to Thorndale Agricultural Society. Message from the donator: In memory of an incredible farmer and family man who had the most wonderful smile.
Sorry we couldn’t be at Gerald’s visitation. Thinking of you, Jean, and all the family. Sharon’s special memory is her visits with you and Gerald at the Western Fair brunches. Take care. Cherish your memories.
Dear Jean and family, We were so sorry to learn of Gerald's passing. You were a strong team Jean. You were both involved with your family and in the community. This is such a loss and our prayers and sympathy are with you and your children and grandchildren. With sympathy - Bev and Barb
A donation has been made to Middlesex 4-H Association. Message from the donator: Western Fair Association sends our sympathies to Jean & Kathryn and the entire Johnson family. Jean, you, and Gerald have been amazing supporters of our agriculture mandate and community initiatives, as well as 4-H and so many agriculture and livestock events. Jean, your service to the WFA’s Board of Directors meant Gerald attended many events and occasions as well, we got to know Gerald too, who always had a smile, a great handshake, and supportive thoughts if ever the conversation flowed into ag- education, the fair, farm show etc. A man like Gerald will surely be missed by many in your family and community, and we hope the days and weeks that follow get a little easier as everyone adjusts to his passing.
Condolences to the Johnson Family
We are sorry to hear of Geralds's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this sad time. We will miss the enjoyable and informative conversations we had with Gerald.
Lori and I want to extend our thoughts and heartfelt prayers to your entire family. We have lost an amazing man who will be remembered for his integrity, cheerfulness and love of life. Peace.
Jean - we want to extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Our memories of Gerald are of a man who always had a smile for everyone he met. May you find comfort in your memories of a wonderful man.
To the Johnson family; Thinking of everyone at this difficult time. Gerald was a great person.
Jean and family……we are so sorry to read of Gerald’s passing. May peace be with you during this difficult time.
Jean & Family. We are very sad to hear of Gerald’s passing, please accept our condolences at this difficult time.
Jean & family, my sincerest condolence at your loss.
To Jean, Ron, Elaine and families. Our sincere sympathy. Gerald will be missed.
My condolences to Gerald's family and friends. I was privileged to make many farm calls as a food animal veterinarian in the first half of my veterinary career. Gerald always greeted me cheerfully. I was able to see his children grow up as they helped with the farm chores. No matter the outcome, Gerald always remained cheerful and had an amazing positive attitude. He truly was a very special person and he will be missed. The world needs more people like him.
To Jean & the family: We were saddened to hear about Gerald's passing. He was such a charming and engaging person. Connecting with Gerald at shows and other dairy events was always a pleasure. He greeted us all with that smile and a warmth that was wonderful. Our worlds will be a slightly greyer place without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ken & Sharon
A donation has been made to Thorndale Agricultural Society. Message from the donator: On behalf of Vipond and the entire London staff we are all sorry for the sudden loss of Gerald. Our condolences to Dave, Dana and the extended family
Jean, we send you our thoughts and condolences at this difficult time. We hope that your memories of Gerald will bring you comfort and a smile when you need it most.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Gerald.
Jean and family - I am so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. You have my deepest condolences. Jeanne Anne
Jean and Family . Our heartfelt condolences with the passing of Gerald. We are so sorry to hear this news. As a fellow dairy farmer we really enjoyed our conversation and friendship during our trips to Australia and Argentina and Scotland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Paul and Thea Hulshof
A donation has been made to Thorndale Agricultural Society. Message from the donator: Gerald is such a special cousin. His smile. His eyes. His laugh. He always made us and our family feel special and welcome. He gave so much to his family and his community. Having recently enjoyed our Howald-Johnson Christmas meal, the conversations and hugs meant so much. The Smith Family Picnics were always so wonderful. Our sincere condolences to Jean, David, Kathryn, Jennifer and families. Gerald was always so pleased to share news of travels, his kids and grandchildren. 💕
Really enjoyed my time visiting with Gerald at Western Fair and the Royal! My condolences to Jean and the family. May you feel God`s peace and comfort at this time.
A donation has been made to Thorndale Agricultural Society. Message from the donator: With sincere condolences during this time of loss. Margaret and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Our condolences for your loss. We enjoyed curling with Gerald . He always had a smile, but a tough competitor. We always felt welcomed by Gerald. Easy conversations and he was so knowledgeable. He will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to all the Johnson family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Thinking of all of the Johnson families during this difficult time. Your dad was one of the great men in the Holstein world and dairy farmers . He was always so welcoming and charming . He was a legacy to everyone who met him and we are so happy we had the pleasure of running into him at special events with Jerseys and Holsteins 💕🐮Thinking of all of you
I am so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing and my sincere condolences to Jean and the entire family. Living down the road from him all these years - each time I went for a walk Gerald would stop on his tractor, gator or lawnmower and we would have a friendly chat. He will be so missed by the whole community.
Our condolences to you Jean and your family. I had many enjoyable conversations with Gerald at GayLea meetings. He was one of the good ones.
David sorry hear about your dad’s passing he was a really great guy I’m thinking about you , Dana n the rest of your family at this rough time
He was gentle and calm and kind. Thorndale lost one of our best. So sorry. Condolences to his family and friends.
My sincere condolences Katherine to you and your family on the loss of your father. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending hugs.
My condolences to All the Families. We had good times in Junior Farmers and curling.
My condolences to Gerald’s family. I fondly remember Gerald as a proud dairy farmer and an active delegate with Gay Lea Foods. He always brought a soft spoken wisdom to the table and his endless smile put everyone at ease. He was a gentleman whose impact was felt by all and will continue in his children and grand-children.
Our condolences to the family. He was a very social person. May all special memories help you through this difficult time.
Jean and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The dairy industry and your community lost one of the good ones he will be greatly missed by all.
Always with a smile and a laugh, Gerald was such a kind and generous person. More than once as a child and then with our children, Gerald always made time for a tour of the farm to visit the cows. Lots of love and support to the family. ❤️
So very sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. Sincerely, Gerry and Helen Webb
Big hugs to you all. Losing someone you love is like losing a part of yourself. You miss them and you miss who you were with them. Nothing will ever replace that. But hopefully, every time you share a memory, recall a moment of laughter, it reminds you of the time you spent together. Hang on tight to those beautiful memories. Luv, Billie-Jo and Nicholas Wilson
Our condolences to the family - we very much enjoyed visiting with Gerald, both at the farm and at the Thorndale Fair, a lovely man who will be missed by many.
My heartfelt sympathies to the Johnson Family Gerald’s was a life well lived Rest in Peace Rhonda Wilson
Services for Gerald Ernest Johnson
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
January 25, 2024 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
January 26, 2024 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Make a donation
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Dear Johnson Family, I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Gerold. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. Gerold's memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he made on others will be remembered as a lasting legacy. During these moments of grief, may you find comfort in the shared memories that bring smiles amidst the tears. Cherish the moments of joy, laughter, and love that you experienced with Gerold, for these are the threads that weave the beautiful tapestry of a life well-lived. As you navigate through the challenges of mourning, may the support of family and friends provide solace, and may the memories of Gerold bring moments of peace. Please know that you are not alone, and the community around you is here to offer strength, compassion, and understanding. If there is anything I can do to assist or support you during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope that the love and memories you shared with Gerold will provide comfort in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy, Joseph Carrubba
~ Joseph Carrubba