Obituaries
Johnson, Ashburn Seymour (Johnny)
April 24, 2024
Ashburn Seymor Johnson passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan at the age 88.
Ashburn was born on the island of Barbados, West Indies on October 10, 1935 to Gordon and Millicent Johnson. He was predeceased by his wife Rita Arnold; his brothers and sisters Denzil Johnson from USA, Vibert Boyce, Arletta Johnson and Eileen Sandiford all from Barbados and Enid Reid from Ontario. Ashburn is survived by his sister Lyril Young from Barbados and is fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and family in Barbados, United Kingdon, USA and Canada. Mark, Heather and Evette Young, Stephen Johnson, Julie Anderson, Barry and Jennifer Reid, Diane and Allison Johnson, Jeanette Griffith, Trevor Nelson, Berkley Murray, Maureen Sheppard, William, Errol and Norris Sandiford; the Arnold family from Germany and Grant family from Victoria, British Columbia; his close friends Selwyn Murray, Maureen Pullar and Sharon Lozinski and many more.
Ashburn moved to Canada in 1958 to pursue a career in nursing and worked for a time as a registered psychiatric nurse at the Weyburn General Hospital, Weyburn, Saskatchewan. In 1970 he moved to London, Ontario as a graduate student in the school for librarianship at Western University. After moving back to Saskatchewan in 1975 he worked as a librarian at Regina Public Library until retirement.
Special thanks go to the Doctors and Nursing Staff at the Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital for their support and dedicated care of Ashburn in his final days.
There will be no funeral services as per Ashburn’s wishes. A Celebration of Ashburn’s Life will be at a later date to be determined. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Ashburn’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Condolences
Audrey Prendergast
Victoria British Columbia Canada
I send condolences to Ashburn's family and will remember him as a colleague and a very good friend. Rest in peace dear Ashburn.
Lubbert van der Laan
Chilliwack British Columbia Canada
Ashburn was a good friend, a person I deeply appreciated as a person and librarian. I will miss his humour and care for those around him.
Julie McKenna
Regina SK Canada
My deepest condolences to Ashburn’s family. He was a lovely and generous man with a terrific sense of humour. I really enjoyed working with him at Regina Public Library and learned so much from him about librarianship and life. May his memory be a blessing.
Gail Thompson
Okotoks Alberta Canada
My deepest condolences to Ashburn’s family. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working with him at the Library.
Kate Kokotailo
Comox British Columbia Canada
I'm sorry to hear of Ashburn's passing. He was a good friend to many at Regina Public Library and someone who could handle any situation. And there were some situations... he literally put out at least one fire at the Central Branch! Ashburn's contagious laugh is what I'll remember most. And his kindness.
Basil Pogue
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
Ashburn was a real friend. We worked together in the Library in the 70s. He had a great sense of humour and got on really well with everyone. Rest in Peace, Old Friend! May God bless you!
Alice Frederick
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
So long Ashburn. Your many kindnesses will be remembered.
Phil Jeffreys
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
Ashburn was an old-guard librarian, a complete professional with standards, while keeping a good sense of humour and a great laugh that showed he enjoyed life. He was a good man to have around the library, and to catch up with at retiree lunches. And a good gardener, sharing his veggies. I will miss him.
Susan Dugas
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
I worked with Ashburn at Albert Library back when we were both new to Regina Public Library. He was a lovely man, fun to work with, and a supportive supervisor. I will missing having a good laugh with him at RPL Retiree Events. My condolences to his family.
Janet Craig
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
I worked with Ashburn at Regina Public Library. He would attend the RPL retiree luncheons but had to miss the last two because of failing health. His birthday was October 10, the same as our wedding anniversary and we would always have a phone visit. He was intelligent man and taught me not to be afraid of the computer back in 1985. I will remember his contagious laugh and how he made you look at issues in a different light. I guess I would think of him as a devil's advocate. He made sure he would verify information. I will miss you Ashburn.
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