SHELDON JOHANNSON

1967 - 2012

It is with great sorrow that the family of Sheldon Arthur Johannson of Taber, announce his passing on Monday, October 8, 2012 at the age of 45 years after a hard fought battle with pneumonia.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Our precious Sheldon was the beloved son of Baldur and Leone Johannson. His memory will be forever cherished by his parents, brother Jason, sister Arica (Daron) Jensen and his nephews Cole, Spencer, Carter and Skylar as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and California.
He was predeceased by his Grandma and Grandpa Johannson; Grandma and Grandpa Rydberg; uncles Harold Johannson, Clarence and Glen Rydberg.
Sheldon was born in Birtle, Manitoba on March 8, 1967 and what a wonderful bundle of joy he was. Growing up Sheldon was full of energy and determination. He completed his education (kindergarten to grade twelve) there. Upon graduation he moved to Taber. Sheldon was fun loving, gentle, compassionate and kind to all those around him and most of all loved to live life to the fullest. He was passionate about waterskiing, snowmobiling, motorbikes and most of all cars - just about anything that went fast!
Sheldon was attending the University of Lethbridge, in his second year, studying towards a Bachelor of Management degree. It was his dream to enter the automotive industry and follow in his father's footsteps. That was when tragedy struck. On October 23, 1987 he was involved in a single vehicle car accident that almost took his life. He was air lifted to Calgary via STARS where he courageously fought for his life. He won that fight and survived. However, a full recovery was not meant to be. Once he was stabilized, he was transferred to the Taber hospital where he spent the next four years. Sheldon then moved into the first group home, established by Taber Special Needs. He remained there until his passing.
After his accident, Sheldon never regained his ability to talk, walk or control his body. He was completely dependent on the Taber Special Needs staff and over the last twenty years, what wonderful staff he has had. He had the best possible care anyone could have asked for. We know that Sheldon loved and appreciated his staff and we also know that they loved him.
During the last twelve years, Sheldon and his family received a tiny miracle. He regained his ability to smile and laugh. "And laugh he did!" Whether it was the Comedy network on television, a funny joke, a funny story, a sarcastic comment made by staff or family, he laughed. Through this tiny miracle we were assured that Sheldon heard and understood everything around him.
Throughout the last twenty five years, Sheldon's mother was the most instrumental person in his life. Leone visited with him every day, only missing a handful of days each year. What a wonderful blessing it was for Sheldon to have her. She never wavered in her complete commitment to her son. Nothing compares to a mother's love for her children. The bond that Sheldon and his mother shared is a wonderful blessing that will never be forgotten. That bond will carry into the eternities.
Over the last couple of weeks, Sheldon put up a valiant fight against pneumonia but his body, already in a weakened condition, just couldn't overcome the infection.
Sheldon is now free. He has met his maker and is perfect again. How joyous it must have been for him to regain his ability to talk and walk freely. We know he is smiling down on us and saying "Look at me, I am finally free!" Though our hearts are aching, we know we will meet again soon.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Sheldon's name may be made directly to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, PO Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 (www.stars.ca).
The family would like to thank the North Residence, Taber Special Needs caregivers for the wonderful care Sheldon received on a daily basis. Also thanks to Dr. Beckie for his commitment and compassion for Sheldon throughout the years since his accident and more recently Dr. Hughes. As well the staff at the Taber hospital and Lethbridge ICU - they truly tried everything possible to save our Sheldon and we are so very greatful for that.