Audrey Alexandra Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey Alexandra Johnson on December 20, 2020 at the age of 94 years.

Audrey, the youngest of four children, was born on November 13, 1926 to Beaumont and Amelia Gunby. Audrey grew up in Virden, Manitoba and did grades 1 to 10 there. She skipped grade 11 and, when her family moved to Burnaby in 1943, she completed grade 12 at Burnaby South. After graduating in 1944, she attended Normal School (1 year teacher training) in Vancouver. Her first teaching job was in Tappen, BC from 1945 to 1948 in a one room schoolhouse with grades 1 to 8. Her starting pay was $125 per month. In 1948, Audrey moved to Armstrong, BC and taught grades 1 to 3 there from 1948 to 1951. She married Lawrence Johnson on June 29, 1950 and, in 1951, they moved to Leanchoil, BC where Laurie had a job with the CPR as a telegrapher (they lived in an 8-room 4-plex right next to the train tracks). Audrey took 5 years off to start a family and, after moving to Golden in 1955, she returned to her teaching career in Golden in 1956. She upgraded her teaching qualifications by attending several Summer School sessions at the University of Victoria. For the last several years of her career, she taught Math at Golden Secondary School and was affectionately known as “General Johnson”.

Audrey coached the high school badminton team from 1968 until her retirement in 1988, after which she substituted and tutored for a couple of years. As well as teaching and coaching badminton Audrey also skied (downhill and cross-country), golfed, played darts, was a member of the United Church Ladies Auxiliary and was active with the Royal Canadian Legion as Secretary from 1981 to 1990 and President from 1991 to 1992. She enjoyed her weekly bridge sessions at the Senior's Centre and played right up until March when it was cancelled due to COVID-19, but she got back into it by learning how to play bridge on-line which she thought was great.

Audrey and Laurie enjoyed travelling, both in Canada and abroad. They visited many foreign destinations such as Egypt, Greece, Europe, Britain, Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong and Bali (to name a few), along with spending many summers camping in their trailer.

Audrey is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Laurie, daughter Pat (Bill) Windrum of Tsawwassen, daughter Carol (Bob) Braisher of Parson, grandsons Sean and Keith Windrum of Tsawwassen, nephew Bruce Langner of Rocky Mountain House and niece Linda Ginter of Richmond. She is predeceased by her parents, sisters Irene and Victoria and brother Paul. Audrey had a kind heart - there was nothing she wouldn't do for her family or friends and we were proud to call her a Wife, a Mom and a Grandma. She will be missed by her family and by all who knew her.

Audrey's family would like to thank the staff at the Golden Hospital for their care over the past two months and to Dr. Tan for his unwavering dedication to, and compassion for, her. This will not be forgotten.

There will be no service at this time, but we hope to have a Celebration of Life for Audrey in the spring or summer if social gatherings are allowed. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Golden Food Bank, Little Mittens Animal Rescue or the Golden Museum.