DELBERT JOHNSON

1927 - 2001

Delbert S. Johnson, beloved husband of Lila (nee Hurnanen) Johnson of Barnwell, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, January 22, 2001 at the age of 73 years.
Delbert was born in the family home in Barnwell on September 3, 1927. He was the sixth of seven children born to Wilbern and Amelia Johnson. Following his mothers early passing his father married Winona Stevens and together they raised two large families. As a youth, Delbert enjoyed a close knit relationship with a group of Barnwell youth who have remained the best of friends.
Delbert spent his entire life in Barnwell with the exception of a year of schooling in agriculture at Olds and three years in France serving as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. Following his mission, he met and married Lila Hurnanen who was teaching school in Barnwell. Delbert spent most of his working years on the family farm, followed by employment at Milliken Farm Supplies and the Taber Irrigation District, retiring in 1991.
He loved life and enjoyed travelling. Friends and family have always been an important part of his life. Delbert loved scouting and served at the District level for several years. He was an active member of the Church and served in several capacities including Bishop and most recently as a worker in the Cardston Temple.
He was predeceased by his parents, one brother, three sisters, a son (Lynn) and infant daughter (Celeste).
Delbert is survived by his wife of fifty years, Lila; children Jay (Colleen) Johnson of Barnwell, Coral (Doug) Spenst of South Jordan, Utah, Corrine (Chip) Koop of Provo, Utah, Layne (Jane) Johnson of Barnwell, Candis (Chris) Molcak of Kimberly, British Columbia, Cara (Darcy) Gross of Burmis, Carla (James) Davies of Pincher Creek and Ardis (Stephan) Lovatt of Hazelrigg, England; thirty one grandchildren and one great grandson; a sister Vada (Wilford) Hansen of Logan, Utah and a brother Ronald (Syb) Johnson of Barnwell. Each member of the family knew they had a father and mother that loved them dearly through thick and thin.
Relatives and rriends were invited to meet with the family on Friday, January 26, 2001 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at the family home located at 556 Heritage Road in Barnwell and prior to the funeral service at the Church on Saturday, January 27, 2001 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:45 A.M.
The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barnwell Chapel on Saturday, January 27, 2001 at 12:00 Noon with Bishop Marty Johnson conducting. Interment followed in the Barnwell Cemetery.
Dad was a “Gentle Giant Of A Man” and as a family we express our gratitude to his many friends for the influence they have had in his life.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Delbert’s name may be made to the Taber Hospital Foundation, Continuing Care Unit, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.