Ron Johnson

OBITUARY

William Ronniberg “Ron” Johnson passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Langenburg Centennial Care Home in Langenburg, Saskatchewan.

Ron was born on June 23, 1937, in Churchbridge, SK, where he grew up on the family farm. He attended Thingvalla School, completing Grade 10 in June 1952. When he arrived for Grade 1, he already knew how to read and was quickly advanced to Grade 2.

After leaving school, Ron worked on the family farm until April 1958, when he began his career as an apprentice automotive mechanic at Rex Garage Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in Langenburg. On October 29, 1960, Ron married Elin Kristin Olafson, a nurse from Wadena, SK. They made their home in Langenburg before moving to Churchbridge in 1961, where Ron worked at General Service Pontiac Buick until 1965. He then worked briefly at IMC Canada Potash Mine in Esterhazy before returning to Rex Garage in 1966, later joining Langenburg Motors Ford Mercury in 1968.

In 1969, Ron and Elin moved their family to Yorkton, where Ron worked at Caras Pontiac-Buick and Korb Chev-Olds. During this time, he completed Grades 11 and 12 through night classes at Yorkton Regional High School. In 1970–71, he attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, earning a Vocational Teaching Certificate in Automotive Mechanics. Ron then taught Automotive Mechanics at Melville Comprehensive School from 1971 to 1973 before joining Yorkton Flying Services as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

In early 1976, Ron purchased the farm northwest of Churchbridge that his maternal grandparents had homesteaded. During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked winters at Yorkton Flying Services while maintaining the family farm. In the 1990s, he operated a mechanical repair business from his farm shop and also worked as a Snap-on Tools salesman. In January 1996 he sold the farm and transitioned it into a bison ranch, which he and Elin operated until they retired and moved to an acreage south of Churchbridge in 2000. 

Ron loved his cats—particularly Herbie and Chester—, building elaborate shelters for them and ensuring they were well taken care of.  After Elin passed, he remained at the acreage with his cats and, even after moving to care homes in Esterhazy and later Langenburg, he loved to spend time with them when he was able.

Ron never lost his lifelong fascination with all things mechanical and continued small engine repair work from his shop—especially lawnmowers—for as long as his health allowed. He was very inventive and had a knack for modifying everything he bought, always looking for improved functionality.

At an early age he became fascinated with flying and he started by carving models of World War 2 aircraft.  This evolved into a passion for model airplanes and family vacations were often planned around model aircraft shows across Canada and the United States where he competed with the many friends he made through his hobby. He also earned his pilot’s license and owned a Cessna for several years.

Ron will be remembered for his entertaining stories and quick wit.  He especially enjoyed breaking out the whiskey after a day of hunting with his family and friends to reminisce and share stories.  But, any excuse would do to have a gathering and enjoy company. There were many good memories generated over the years.

Proud of his Icelandic heritage, Ron collected books and documents about his family’s history, tracing their roots to the early settlers who arrived at Gimli, Manitoba, in 1875. He was a dedicated member of the Heritage Cemeteries Project Inc. and played an important role in the revitalization of Logberg Cemetery north of Churchbridge. Ron also devoted countless hours to the preservation and documentation of Thingvalla Cemetery, creating a detailed map of every burial and unmarked grave.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Elin; his parents Valdi and Dyrfinna (Hinrikson) Johnson; his parents-in-law Magnus and Laura (Frederickson) Olafson; brothers Lynne and Thor; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Allan and “Bugs” Veal.

He will be dearly remembered by his children Alan (Gina) Johnson, Audrey (Randy) Schappert, and Janet (Ian) Prier; grandchildren Kristy (Justin) Clay, Clint (Nicole) Prier, Erin (Donaven) Adamczyk, Kyla Schappert, Jocelyn (Morgan) Griffin, Nolan Johnson (Stephanie Damon-Moore), Aidan Johnson, Owen Johnson, and Elin Johnson; sister Joanne (Gerry) Johnson; sisters-in-law Christine Johnson and Barbara Johnson; great-grandchildren Jordyn, Hunter, and Robin Adamczyk, Kaleb, Kolby, and Kolton Clay, Nicole and Adam Griffin, and Charlie Evans; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.