It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Justin Johnson on January 25, 2024. He was 74 years old.

Justin is predeceased by his father, Leo, his mother, Bride, his brother, Raymond and his sister, Kay.

Justin was the beloved husband to Heather (Sanford), loving father of Amy (Mohammad) and Steven (Nicki), proud papa to Zackary, Tavia and Olivia and brother to Morgan and Margaret.

Justin, a proud Newfoundlander, was born on April 24, 1949 in Northern Bay, Newfoundland where he cherished his upbringing and held dear the precious memories of his childhood on the rugged island. He loved to share many stories from his childhood, such as swimming in a local freezing waterfall (not so bad if you numbed yourself first in the ocean he would say) and getting into situations he should not have. Justin adored his father and treasured the times accompanying him on coal deliveries in all weather conditions as well as other business ventures. Over the years he recounted many situations where his father would deliver well-phrased, abrupt, and often hilarious comments that never failed to leave everyone laughing. These experiences molded Justin into a resilient, passionate individual, who had quick wit and unwavering determination.

At the age of 17, the wide eyed young man embarked on a journey of adventure and learning, leaving home to study marine navigation in St. John’s, Newfoundland. After completing his studies, he set sail on gypsum ships, navigating the Atlantic seaboard and venturing into the Caribbean. Justin's love for the sea and exploration was fulfilled as he marveled at the breathtaking views of iconic American cities like New York City where he witnessed the original World Trade Center (Twin Towers) as they were being constructed.

After years at sea and getting ready to start a family, Justin left the shipping industry and started working in construction. Justin became a crane operator whose love for his work was evident in every lift. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers where he cherished the camaraderie with his colleagues, forming strong bonds as they worked together and spent time shooting the shit in “break trailers” across many job sites since 1974. Justin worked on major projects spanning from downtown Halifax highrises, to the Confederation Bridge, to the Alberta oil sands. Justin was working right up until he passed away where he remained dedicated to his craft as a crane operator, finding fulfillment in mentoring younger individuals entering the field. He continued to tackle complicated lifts with precision and expertise, sharing his knowledge and guiding the next generation of operators to excel in their roles. Justin's commitment to both his work and the development of others underscores his passion for the profession and his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the industry.

Justin loved sports and coached many minor hockey and softball teams during the 80’s and 90’s. He was a very passionate coach who believed in challenging players to be their best, instilling in them a sense of determination, grit, and belief that they could accomplish whatever they set their minds to. His coaching style emphasized accountability, urging players to take ownership of their actions and not make excuses, fostering a culture of responsibility and commitment to the team. Though he had a tough coaching style, those who played on those teams knew how much he cared for each and every player, making each player feel valued and integral to the team's success. Through his coaching, he instilled values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, shaping not just athletes, but individuals equipped to tackle life's challenges with resilience and determination.

Justin was always on the hunt for vehicles of his liking, spending countless hours scouring AutoTrader and exploring car lots. As time passed, he moved from an avid observer to an enthusiastic purchaser who loved to drive and put his vehicles "to the test".

Those who spent time with Justin were familiar with his enthusiastic proclamation: "It's a great day to be alive!”.  He had an infectious zest for life, radiating positivity and embracing every moment.  He will be sadly missed.

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