Brian Lynne Johnson was born October 29, 1941 on the family farm in the Churchbridge area. He was the third son of Valdimar and Dyrfinna (nee Hinrickson). Together with his two older brothers, Ronnie and Thor, Lynne helped with chores like turning the cream separator and he often babysat his younger sister, Joanne. Lacking television in those days, he made his own entertainment with his brothers whether digging snow tunnels in the winter's immense snow drifts, playing ball at the farmyard, or hunting grouse with his Red Rider Air Rifle. Lynne was baptised on November 23, 1941 at Thingvalla Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor Christopherson and confirmed on July 29, 1956 at Concordia Lutheran Church by Pastor Goos. Lynne's confirmation verse was "I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". John 8:12. Lynne's commitment on confirmation day was: "Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end; Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend! I shall not fear the battle, if Thou are by my side, Nor wander from the pathway, If Thou will be my Guide". Lynne attended Thingvalla and Churchbridge schools. An outstanding student despite the many hours he worked on the family farm, he excelled in all his studies, graduating from high school in 1960. Lynne seemed to have a wealth of information on nearly any subject and was always a good person to go to for any sort of advice. Lynne married Christine Dressler on June 5, 1963. In 1965 he and Christine took over the family farm and over the years they were blessed with three children, Ryan, Corinne and Kevin. For Lynne his faith and the church were a fundamental part of his daily life and whether it was helping a friend or leading church committees with his friend, Erwin Becker, he was known for his calm, reasonable and always humble leadership ability. Possessing an extremely broad range of interests, ranging from military history to modern physics, he was a multi-faceted man, but his soul was always deeply rooted in the land. Farming was his life and even though it was hard work, it was really a calling…he loved doing what he did and he met each season head-on and enjoyed the fact that every year offered new challenges. Lynne and Christine enjoyed a full partnership on the farm, making all decisions together. Harvest was their favourite season as he combined and she hauled the grain. Ahead of his time in the holistic stewardship of the land, he cared deeply about wetlands and conservation management. Lynne had a great love for animals and counted many beloved cattle, dogs and cats among his many blessings. With his dry sense of humour he often "spoke" for the animals, creating a witty persona for them, as an example "Brezhnev" the bull may suddenly strike up a discussion about international geo-politics! Steadfast and faithful to his family, he was firm but loving, a peacemaker and problem solver, always willing to listen and help, always known to be fair, treating everyone with equal dignity. His love and joy for his friends and family shines out from his beaming smile in the hundreds of photos taken over the years. He enjoyed hunting, trap shooting and long car voyages or Sunday "get lost'" drives with his family. If you needed something fixed, Lynne was the man to go to; together with his brothers he could repair almost anything - whether it may be tuning up an old lawnmower or overhauling the combine. He was an expert builder, whether helping to construct his own house, renovating the basement or helping with the Thingvalla Church, Cemetery and School restoration and monuments projects. Looking down from Heaven, Lynne would want us all to know how very much it meant to him that his loving wife, Christine patiently and lovingly looked after his every need almost to the end so he could stay as long as possible on the farm that he loved so dearly. He would also want us to acknowledge his many good neighbours, relatives and friends who supported them during his illness, particularly Eddie Wirth, with whom he shared haying and harvesting over the years. Lynne was predeceased by his parents, Valdi and Finnie; his son-in-law, Tim Weber; special uncles, Martin and Henry; aunt, Helga; his mother and father-in-law, Lydia and Adolf Dressler and he was followed closely by his special aunt, Annie Dressler. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, Christine, his soul mate of 53 years; his sons, Ryan (Monica) and Kevin (Barbara); his daughter, Corinne Weber and his grandchildren, Noah and Adam Johnson and Scott Weber. He will be sorely missed by his siblings, Ronnie (Elin), Thor (Barbara) and Joanne (Gerry); his sister-in-law, Marion Olson; brother-in-law, Gerald (Grace) Dressler as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and his countless friends and neighbours. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from the Trinity Lutheran Church in Churchbridge, SK with Pastor Jeff Dul officiating. The organist, Vallery Putland, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Nearer My God to Thee", "Great is Thy Faithfulness", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art". The scriptures were read by Erwin Becker and Kevin Johnson and the obituary was read by Ryan Johnson and Joanne Johnson. The Interment Service followed in the Thingvalla Cemetery, near Churchbridge with Allan Pollock, Ken Reykjalin, Audrey Johnson, Allan Johnson, Lee Sparrowhawk and Johnny Pollock serving as the casket bearers. Honorary Casket Bearers, who were present in spirit to lift up Lynne were Eddie Wirth, Gloria Wirth, Gerald Dressler, Monica Johnson, Noah Johnson and Adam Johnson. Fern Wagner and the Lutheran Women Missions League of Trinity Lutheran Church lovingly organized the luncheon following the service. Those wishing to make donation in Lynne's memory may make them to Parkinson Society Canada (www.parkinson.ca), The Lutheran Hour, Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or a favourite charity of your choice. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
