November 20, 1938 – September 26, 2022
It is with sadness in our hearts that we say good-bye to our Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa Tom Johnson (Smokey).
Tom was born and raised in Olds where he spent a large part of his life. He married the love of his life, Joyce (nee McLaren), in 1958. Together they welcomed their 3 children, 5 grandsons and a great-granddaughter; son Brad (Darcia), Jarid, Ryley and Taran(fiancé Madison); son Todd; daughter R’Nee (Dan Gole), Jess(fiancé Deena and baby Sloan), Jay. He was a huge part of all their lives, making so many memories together.
Tom and Joyce loved to travel with their family and later with their grandsons. Camping at the river, many ski trips and Christmases on the beach were enjoyed with family and friends. Their motorhome was always full of people, food and pets when all the children and grandchildren were growing up.
Tom was a volunteer fireman, a member of the Elks Lodge, coached ball and hockey and enjoyed golfing. Sports were always a part of his life whether playing, coaching or being a fan. Woodworking and other projects filled his retirement years too.
Tom treasured all his close friendships and the memories made; he always shared the stories of his life with anyone that listened. His many years of “coffee time” at the Public Lunch with his longtime friends and getting to see and reminisce with his school friends at their reunions were times he enjoyed.
In 1970, Tom and Joyce opened the Paint Pot in Olds and employed many friends and family including sons Brad and Todd before they purchased the business. They were fortunate to retire young enough to spend winters living in the motorhome at Desert Hot Springs where they met many new friends and continued those friendships when they moved into their Yuma home.
Tom lost his wife last November which broke his heart and he never got over missing her. In May he became a great-grandpa to Sloan who brought him so much joy. He could not stop smiling when he had her in his arms. He was grateful in this time to have his caregiver Jera Dina, aka “kid”, who helped make his life easier and brought laughter to his home again. Tom spent the last few months of his life at Seasons Retirement Community where he was well cared for and appreciated their compassion and friendliness.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Harry and Ellen, mother-in-law and father-in-law Martin and Edna McLaren, sisters and brothers-in-law Dorothy(John)Ware, Peggy(Emil)Schmidt, Elsie(Art)Saunders, Ruth(George)Webb, Josie(Joe)Bartek, sisters-in-law Gloria Johnson, Lois McLaren, Charlotte (McLaren)Olsen, brother-in-law Marty McLaren.
He leaves to mourn his children, grandsons(and partners), great-granddaughter, brother Jim, sisters-in-law Marjorie, Wendy, Darlene, Diane, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
His humor, big heart, stories, and laugh will be remembered and missed by all that knew him.
