Whitehorse Daily Star

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FOLKIE EUGENE JOHNSON

MAY 29, 1939 ~ APRIL 11, 2022

Folkie Eugene Johnson was born to Florence and Matt Johnson in Kinistino, Saskatchewan, on May 29, 1939. He was raised on the farm and learned about hard work, which he did with pride throughout his life.

He began his Yukon adventure when he arrived on February 14, 1962, to work at United Keno Hill Mines in Elsa at the request of his stepbrother Richard Scales. There he met the love of his life, Sandra Johnson (nee Sidney) on July 1, 1963, in Mayo. They married on November 7, 1964, in Whitehorse, surrounded by friends and family.
They started their relationship based on a loving mutual friendship which turned into 57 and a half years of commitment, love, and respect. They were blessed with three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Folkie started his work career driving trucks at United Keno Hill Mines and later on moved to Yukon Government as a carpenter, then a custodian at Jack Hulland school and FH Collins school. He transferred to the Fire Marshall’s office where he held the position of fire inspector until his retirement. During his retirement, Folkie worked for Brinks for several years until a few years ago.
Folkie served his community volunteering as a firefighter, a veteran with the Canadian Rangers, and an instructor for the Canadian firearms safety course for many years. He enjoyed his time with the Canadian Rangers, his comrades, and exercises, and he particularly loved the snowmobiling excursions. He shared his passion for firearms and snowmobiling with his family and friends. Folkie was strong-minded and had a zest for life until it was time to rejoin his family and friends in the heavens in the early hours of April 11, 2022. He is predeceased by his parents, Florence and Matthew Johnson; his brothers Arnie and Hugo Johnson; and his sister Myrna Johnson.

Folkie is survived by his wife Sandra Johnson; his children Cheryl (Bruce Wilcox), Darrell (Nina Coupland), Tricia (Albert Drapeau); his grandchildren, Gary Johnson [Felisha Johnson], Greg Johnson [Dina Loblaw], Liz Oliynyk [Jason Oliynyk], Rachel Johnson, Ryley Johnson, Brendan Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Madison Johnson, and Martin Drapeau; and his great-grandchildren Devin Oliynyk, and Ashlin Valente; brothers Manfred and Dennis Johnson. Folkie is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Folkie made a difference in all our lives.
He loved to joke, loved to shoot, and loved life.

We will truly miss him, but he will always be in our hearts.

Comments (4)

Paul Wray on Jun 29, 2022 at 9:03 pm

Sorry to hear about Folkie’s passing. I first met him underground at the Calumet Mine in 1965. He will be remembered.

Kelly Coventry on May 6, 2022 at 10:12 am

I am sorry to hear of Folkie's passing. I enjoyed working with him at Jack Hulland School. He was a really nice man, with a good heart. It was my pleasure to know you.

Del Young on Apr 26, 2022 at 1:32 pm

One of the finest people I’ve ever met. Sincere regards to the Johnson family.

Bruce Griffiths on Apr 26, 2022 at 7:59 am

We met in i beleave 1970 at the old vocational school carpentry class. Rolly Kelly was the instructor. One day the big clock up on the wall needed to be adjusted. Folke just reached up and set the correct time. Rolly Kelly was impressed as he said it was the first time anyone was able to do that without a ladder. Fun times, good guy.

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