JOHNSON, Renee

Surrounded by loved ones Mrs. Renee Johnson passed away peacefully on August 31, 2011.

Renee was born in The Hague, Netherlands on November 26, 1937 as the eldest of 10 children born to her parents Cornelius and Suzanna Olsthoorn. Renee was an adventuresome spirit who followed her dreams of world travel and in 1958 at the age of 21 she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada in what was intended to be a trip to retrace the Trans Canada trip her Father had made 30 years prior.

In early 1959 Renee met her future husband Guy Johnson in Lethbridge, AB, and, after completing her Trans-Canada adventure, she returned home to Holland to visit her parents to let them know that she intended to marry her boy from Lethbridge. Six months after leaving Canada Renee returned to reunite with her future husband Guy who got his first ever bank loan to come up with the money to pay for Renee’s return trip. Renee always said that she knew that Guy would be her husband from the moment she first saw him on a Lethbridge transit bus. Guy and Renee were married in Lethbridge, AB on April 8, 1961.

The young couple moved often in their early years as Guy pursued his career, and together they raised three sons along the way. In 1973 Guy and Renee settled to raise the boys in Red Deer, AB where Guy was the General Manager of Travelaire Trailers. They remained in Red Deer until 1989 when a new challenge moved them to Winnipeg, MB until Guy’s retirement in 1992.

After retirement the couple moved first to Nanaimo and later to Kelowna, BC. The couple spent their winters in the warmer climates of Rincon De Guayabitos, Mexico and later Peoria, AZ. Renee was very fond of her treasure hunts and she was always a regular at local markets and estate sales across Phoenix.

In her later years Renee enjoyed hosting friends and family at her home in the Oakbrook Community in Peoria and at her home in Gallagher’s Canyon in Kelowna where her chocolate covered cream puffs were always a big hit. Renee will always be remembered for the love of her family, her strength, her character and for her courageous fight with cancer.

Renee’s memory will always be cherished by her loving husband Guy of 50 years; her sons Brett (Ann) of Surrey, BC; Gregg (Cheryl) of Red Deer AB and Chandler AZ; and Cameron (Shannon) of Sherwood Park, AB; and by her eight grandchildren: Chelsea, Lucas, Randi, Alec, Aiden, Caroline, Cole and Ryan. She will also be deeply missed by her nine siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and by many friends. Renee was predeceased by an infant son in 1963; her father in 1986 and by her mother in 1998.

A Private Graveside Service will be held for Renee Johnson on September 6, 2011 at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Renee’s memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

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