In Memoriam

 
In Memoriam
Walter (Walt) Johnson
1925 - 2020
 
 
It is with deep sadness that we, the members of the Rotary Club of Surrey pay our final respects to a cherished member of our club, Mr. Walter (Walt) Johnson.  Walt was born on July 9, 1925 in Vancouver, B.C. and passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020.
In Memoriam
Walter (Walt) Johnson
1925 - 2020
 
 
Walt was a charter member of our club when it was established on February 6, 1971 and retained perfect attendance until his last days.  He was a distinguished volunteer by presiding as our club President from 1978 to 1979 and served as a vital member of the executive for over 25 years. In recognition of his tremendous service and dedication to our community he was the recipient of multiple Paul Harris Fellow awards – one of the most prestigious honours that can be bestowed to a member.
Rotarians will always remember him for the passion and dedication he brought to the many community service projects he participated in. Rotarians could always count on his gentle nature, good will, and eagerness to engage in projects or propose innovative ideas.  He could always be counted on and always participated when asked – even when the ask was difficult!
He lived the principles of Rotary; Is it the Truth; Is it Fair to all Concerned; Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships; and Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? Through “Service above Self” he exemplified what it is to be a Rotarian. At every opportunity Walt used his decades of experience as an entrepreneur and professional Electrician to make valuable in-kind contributions to community service projects.  Over the decades of service, some of the vital community projects he participated in included:
< >Help in packing 40-foot containers of donated medical supplies along with supporting water well projects and other international service projects.Salvation Army building extension on 104th AvenueSafe Houses for WomenSurrey HospiceSurrey Memorial Hospital projectsQuibble Creek enhancement projectSeveral Inner-city School projectsFraser Valley Development Centre Playground projectParking lot projectCommunity Gardens and Planting projectsFundraiser work – Wine Festival and Dine Around SurreyBook Sales – Literacy ProjectsSupporting all the additional work Rotary does in the community supporting Youth and vulnerable individualsHelped raise funds for Polio eradicationWalt was a yearly contributor to Rotary FoundationChristmas Bureau and Christmas Hamper food distribution for the most vulnerable familiesSurrey Food Bank fundraising and supportHe was invested in being a mentor for Youth during Vocational days at Princess Margaret School for several years. 
Our deepest condolences are with the family, friends and community as we bear this loss together. Walt inspired the lives of many through his generous spirit of volunteerism, care, integrity, and respect. Our hearts break over this tremendous loss and know that our community has also lost a cherished, unwavering, and relentless champion of all that is good.