Skip was born Tuesday, December 28, 1948, in Ilford, Manitoba at a time when Johnson Transport was going strong and Cat swings were a way of life. He started his schooling there and later went to school in The Pas. Summers were always spent at Clearwater Lake. Growing up Skip had lots of friends and had a need for speed and nice cars. Skip started into family life at a young age when he met and married Patsy Lajambe. They first lived at Clearwater Lake and had John and Jody. Next they would move into Carrot River Valley and along came Jackie and Jeanine and he still managed to find time to build a beautiful home. Being raised at the lake Skip always loved boats and made sure he had some sort of craft to entertain the kids, and race with brother Pat. Another one of his great interests was flying. It wasn’t long before he had his own plane and airstrip. He often would show up for a visit with the kids on board and landed in some unusual places. Over the years Skip worked with his father, operated their own logging trucks, and later took employment with Ian Munro Logging & Trucking. During this period, he began to build redwood furniture, took on carpentry contracting, and loved to buy and sell used cars to his brother John. Whatever challenge or project that Skip took on; he was unstoppable. It would be safe to say that he could do anything. Skip had a great wealth of knowledge and know-how and was happy to share this with others. In 1998, after his father’s passing, Skip took over Jae’s Burls. Together with his love Linda they built a new home and expanded the business at Clearwater Lake. Together they created beautiful signs, memorials and unique crafts. With his multi talents Skip evolved into a true artisan. He had a passion for his work and his family. Skip loved to spend time with his many grandchildren, working on his yard and grounds and going for long bike rides with Linda. After a hard fought battle with cancer, Skip became tired. Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, Skip passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, at the age of 63 years. Skip was predeceased by his parents Jack and Mae Johnson. Skip is survived by his beloved spouse Linda and her children Michael, Daniel and Andrew. Skip will be dearly missed by his children; son John Johnson (Tammy) and John’s children Desirae (Chad), Brittany (Brady) and their children Bella and Blaze; son Jody Johnson and his children Brynn (Doug) and Ranen; daughter Jackie (Alain) LeSann and their children Hannah, Jacob, Eric, Abigail “Bunty”; daughter Jeanine (Grant) Totte and their children Cassie and Carter; and mother of Skip’s children Patricia Lajambe. Skip is also survived by his brothers John (Joanne) Johnson of Calgary, AB and their children Les, Bobbi Jo, Jerry, Liza, Sarah and Johnny; Patrick (Minda) Johnson of Clearwater Lake, MB and their children Kris and Rowan; and many other family and friends. Skip will be dearly missed by all. In keeping with Skip’s wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Skip’s life was held Saturday, April 21, 2012, 1:00 pm at the Carrot Valley Community Hall, The Pas, Manitoba with James Hemauer presiding. Music ministry was provided by Mike and Deborah Bottcher. Eulogy was delivered by Dr. John Minnis and memories of the heart were shared by Skip’s children John Johnson, Jody Johnson, Jacqueline LeSann and Jeanine Totte. Skip’s favorite poem “High Flight” was read by his daughter Jeanine Totte and “Greensleeves” was played by his daughter Jacqueline LeSann. Family tributes included granddaughters Brittany and Brynn, as well as a slide presentation of memories. Ushers were Keith Jaeger, Norman Johnson, Sean McDuff and John Komarnicki. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Pas Health Complex Foundation, Inc., Memorial Fund, Palliative Care Division, Box 541, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K4 or a charity of choice would be appreciated by Skip’s family.