Obituary of JOHNSON – Paul

September 13, 1977 – May 31, 2010 At the age of 32, Paul passed away suddenly at home as the result of a medical condition which, over the past few years, he had faced with strength, dignity, some frustration and his trademark sense of humour. Born in Calgary one minute before his twin brother Christopher, Paul loved fine scotch whiskey, a good cigar and a room full of people to laugh with. His humorous way of looking at the world brought so many smiles to anyone who knew him. His favourite escape was to the Banff Hot Springs with a group of friends or biking down a mountain trail. He loved his family, valued his friendships, cherished his Nissan 300ZX and cared for numerous pets over the years. Most recently, he shared his home with his beloved black lab, Ducati – named after a fine Italian motorcycle because Paul joked that she was sleek, fast and out of control. Paul’s legacy is his service to others. He volunteered thousands of hours providing first aid as a Cadet and Brigade member in St. John Ambulance, then by coaching winning first aid competition teams. He was blessed with a strong moral compass that never wavered – always doing what was right, always helping anyone in need. Eventually, Paul became an EMR/Firefighter and went on to graduate as an EMT. He spent countless hours at motocross races, concerts, community events and sporting venues – making sure that injured participants were cared for at the highest standards possible and with the kindest compassion. Paul was also an IT whiz with a natural aptitude for electronics. As a child, any small appliance was in danger of being stripped down and rebuilt into something robotic. In his adult years, this aptitude provided Paul a successful career in information technology. Many of us leaned on Paul for his trusted advice, caring nature and fun-loving personality. The devastation we feel over his loss is because he loved and was loved by so many. Paul’s gentle, generous spirit touched so many lives, from strangers to family, leaving a lasting memory. Paul is survived by his mother Nancy Argyle, father Neville Johnson (Ruth Anne), twin brother Chris, sister-in-law Aimee, sister Sarah Hubert, brother-in-law Chad, grandmother Kathleen Bishop, his adoring nephew & niece, Richard and Denise, Skipton Jelskey, son of Ruth Anne, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and a large second family of wonderful, caring friends and colleagues. Paul was predeceased by his grandfathers William Argyle and Albert Bishop, his grandparents Robert and Constance Johnson Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at St. John Ambulance (3rd Floor, 2905 – 12 Street N.E.) on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers and in celebration of Paul’s life, please consider a donation to the Diakonos Retreat Society 403-201-9945 In living memory of Paul Johnson, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.