Obituary of Charles Johnson

Charles "Chuck" Arthur George Johnson passed away in the Yorkton Union Hospital at the age of 55 years after a long and hard-fought battle with Diabetes on Friday, April 16th 2010. Chuck was born to Arlie (Dryburgh) and Kenneth Johnson on September 11th, 1954 in Yorkton, SK. He was soon joined by younger brother, Scott, and sister, Sherri. The family resided in Yorkton, SK and Winnipeg, MB before moving to Naperville, IL, USA in 1964. Chuck graduated from the Naperville High School in 1972 and following that, worked at the Edward's Hospital there as an orthopedic orderly. After two years, he went on to work as an ER orderly at Central DuPage Hospital Wheaton, IL, USA and became a firefighter-paramedic which he worked at for another six years before moving back to Yorkton with his family. Upon moving back to Yorkton, Chuck worked at Crestview Ambulance, Yorkton Home Care and SIGN until 1982 when his diabetes prevented him from working any longer. However, that did not deter him in any way. He became a volunteer with St. John Ambulance & the United Way, and a trainer for the Yorkton Mallers (Harvest) AAA hockey team. He was also very active within the local and provincial branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association and, up until he was hospitalized, was assisting Rev. Jim Pedwell with pastoral services at the hospital. While in Yorkton, Chuck met and married Helen Kirschman. They were blessed with three children. He was often found spending time with his children whether it was taking them to the park to play, attending a hockey game or walking to the Loaf-N-Jug for a treat. As his children grew up and showed various interests, Chuck was always there to support his children. He could always be found volunteering for the Yorkton & District Band Boosters during the years his children were in the school bands. While his children were important to him, his grandchildren were the pride and joy of Chuck's life. His eldest grandson, Kenneth, loved helping Papa check his blood sugar levels and administering his insulin. His other grandson, Jonathan, would sit at the kitchen table and visit with Papa while they shared many a snack. His granddaughter, Olivia, could always be found fast asleep in Papa's lap in the afternoons, and bringing a smile to his face whenever they were together. Chuck was predeceased by his grandparents, his twin brothers (Gregory & Garry) in 1957, his father (Kenneth) in 2001 and uncles and aunts. He leaves behind to celebrate his life, his mother, Arlie; his wife, Helen Kirschman; daughter Rebecca (Brad) Hughes and their sons Kenneth & Jonathan; son Charlie; daughter Carissa (Shawn Florell) and their daughter Olivia; brother Scott; sister Sherri and her son Anthony; aunt Edith Dryburgh; and various aunts, uncles, cousins and family members as well as numerous friends. Service Information Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Shellmouth Cemetery