Obituary of Henry Johnson

Forever in our hearts ...

Henry Fraser Brooks Johnson

December 28, 1930 – September 25, 2022

Beloved husband of 65 years to Eileen (nee Robinson); loving father to sons, Brooks (Sharon) and Robert (Erin); loving brother, to Cora, Isabel and Doris (all late); Henry, better known as Duke, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91.

Born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Duke and Eileen left their Maritime home and moved to Ontario in 1967.  A long-time employee of The Bank of Nova Scotia and pursuing his successful career in banking, Duke and the family moved from Georgetown, Ontario to Cleveland, Ohio, returning back to Canada in 1983, making Markham their permanent home.
True Maritimers, Duke and Eileen returned to the Merigomish area almost every summer, enjoying the view of the Northumberland Straight from the cottage at The Ponds. 

Duke, an accomplished musician most recently with the Markham Concert Band, loved music, especially from the Big Band era, a passion which was evident when he played his trumpet.  Also an avid reader who loved to travel, Duke was always ready with a story of his own adventures, whether of sports exploits, a favourite meal, or a rousing concert, and almost always with a mischievous sparkle in his eye.

He was a die-hard sports fan and former athlete, playing rugby and hockey.  A long time Toronto Maple Leafs fan, personally attending their last Stanley Cup winning series, he rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game, even though they would not cooperate in delivering another Cup.

A memorial service will be held at the Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main Street North, Markham on Saturday, October 1 at 2pm with interment at the Brookside Cemetery in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to follow in the spring/summer. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Duke to the Markham Concert Band or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Funeral Livestream

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