Obituary of THOMAS LOWRY JOHNSON

THOMAS LOWRY JOHNSON

September 8, 1977 – May 11, 2021

Peacefully, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer, Tom died in his home in Winnipeg. He is survived by his cherished wife and love of his life, Sandra Ivetic; his beloved children, Mackenna and Malone Cliche; his parents, Jim and Anne Johnson; his siblings Sarah, Heather and Brian; his grandmother, Margaret O’Flaherty; and by his aunts and uncles, Doug and Marilyn Johnson, Ian and Pippi Johnson, Mary Margaret and Dave Scrimger, Kathleen O’Flaherty, Evie O’Flaherty, Ceci O’Flaherty, Michael and Cheryl O’Flaherty, and Kevin and Leah O’Flaherty, along with numerous cousins.  Also left to mourn Tom are his parents-in-law, Zoran and Zdena Ivetic; his brother- and sister-in-law, Saša Ivetic and Jill Chapman and their children, Caroline and Sebastian Ivetic and Adam and Genny Donaghy. He will also be sadly missed by his dogs, Charlie and Jasper. Tom was predeceased by his grandparents, Jim and Marg Johnson, and Kevin O’Flaherty; his uncle and aunt David and Gayle Johnson; and uncles Tom O’Flaherty and Brian Booty.

Tom was born in North Bay, Ontario, moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba in his first year. He grew up in a loving family, attending St. Ignatius School and graduated St. Paul’s High School in the class of ‘95.

Afterwards, Tom travelled across Canada, working various jobs to pay his way and experiencing the vastness of the country.  When he returned to Winnipeg, he entered the hospitality industry, working at various restaurants in the city. He found his passion when he was hired at the Manitoba Club where he became the consummate host, working his way up to Food and Beverage Manager. After years at the Club, he left to join Salisbury Cruises, working on the Grace Anne II on Lake of the Woods, followed by WOW hospitality as the assistant manager at 529 Wellington and then manager at Peasant Cookery where he finished his career.

Tom loved entertaining. His greatest joy came from serving people, making sure they had the best experience possible. He remembered everyone’s name, along with their likes and dislikes.  He also loved to tell jokes and his laughter was always the loudest at the end. His infectious laughter always caused everyone to laugh, even if the joke wasn’t funny!

Tom’s happy place was Lake of the Woods, growing up at the family cottage on Coney Island. He loved his Hawaiian shirts, water skiing, bonfires and experiencing the lake. He thrived, working as the summer manager at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club for over 10 years. This allowed him to have his children at the lake where they could share similar experiences, growing up at the lake.

His faith in God deepened after becoming a parent. He found community and solace in St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, and was proud to call himself a Knight of Columbus 5808, following in his maternal grandfather’s and father’s footsteps.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral mass will be livestreamed on the YouTube channel “St. Ignatius Parish Winnipeg” on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will be held once COVID restrictions have been lifted.

The family would like to thank the medical staff, especially Dr. Bruce Martin who was with Tom on his journey.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tom’s name to St. Paul’s High School Bursary Fund, 2200 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba, R3P 0P8 stpauls.mb.ca/giving; or to Trees Winnipeg 1539 Waverley Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 4V7 https://www.treeswinnnipeg.org.