Kris Johansen
July 22, 2024
Peacefully at home on Monday, July 22, 2024, in the loving embrace of his family, Kris Johansen, at the age of 70, following a challenging journey with ALS. Kris leaves behind his best friend and wife of 48 years, Nancy; his adored sons and daughters-in-law: Ryan and Liz, Kyle and Danika; and Kris’s treasured grandkiddos, Holden and Blake, who were the lights of his life. His family meant more to him than absolutely anything in this world; he was fiercely proud of each and every one, and he made sure they knew that.
Kris is also survived by sisters- and brothers-in-law: Pauline Kerr, Steve and JoAnne Teske, Barb and Steve DelChiaro; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many close and dear friends. Kris was predeceased by his parents, Jytte (1998) and Stig Johansen (2004); sister, Hanne Johansen (2010); and in-laws, Douglas (2010) and Madeline Teske (2013).
Kris was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on December 10, 1953, and after immigrating to Canada with his family in 1955, Kris was raised and built his life in London. He was a heavy equipment (excavator) operator by trade and owned and operated London Greenscapes landscaping for twenty years. He was always physically fit and active and liked to bike, ski, golf, bowl, swim and played hockey until he was 64. In retirement, Kris and Nancy spent summers in Grand Bend and travelled extensively throughout North America and Europe, often accompanied by close friends and family.
Kris loved his life and he loved his people. He took great pleasure in the simple things in life: a great meal, ice cream, an afternoon on their boat “It’s All Good”, a Lake Huron sunset, good music, strumming a guitar, reading, having a beer with the guys, catching a concert, hockey or baseball game, any time spent with his kids, playing with his grandkids, and sharing long chats and lots of laughs with dear family and friends. Love and laughter defined his story and he felt truly blessed. Kris leaves us far too soon (first time he was early for anything!) but he departed this world knowing he was deeply loved. He will remain forever in our hearts.
The family thanks those special people in Kris’s life who continued to check in, offer support, and include him even when his activities were limited. Your kindness and companionship meant the world to him and us. Sincere appreciation to our family physician Dr. Eric Nicholls, Dr. Christen Shoesmith, and the wonderful team of professionals at the Motor Neuron Diseases Clinic at University Hospital, and Sheila Dorsch at The ALS Society of Canada.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with words of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. If desired, in memory of Kris and in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the ALS Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.
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Nancy, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and your family. I didn’t meet him, but Kris sounds like a wonderful person and your life together produced some precious moments to remember, I’m sure. All the best.
A donation has been made to ALS. Message from the donator: My deepest sympathy Nancy, Ryan, Kyle and family. Holding you all close in heart and thoughts.
John and I are saddened to hear of Kris's passing. He was a lovely person with great strength and determination. We are truly sorry for your family's loss.
Nancy, Mary and I were shocked to learn of Kris's passing. A life ended far too young. We have warm memories of Kris from a time many years ago. Our sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Nancy, we are sorry we could not attend the service. Kris’s laugh, friendship and common sense will be missed. Life in Grand Bend will not be the same. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Aileen and Mark
Nancy and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Kris’ passing. Thinking of you and all your loved ones. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathies, Nancy, So difficult for you and your family.
Nancy, you Kris and all your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences to all. When I lost my husband I was told that as time goes by it helps ease our pain. It does somewhat. They are always in our thoughts and we miss them always. Sincerely Marg Sutton
Nancy, we are so saddened to hear of Kris’s passing. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. We have so many great memories of the “old” days in London with the whole gang, and of Kris’s mischievous grin! We hope you find comfort in good memories of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Our sincere condolences Nancy from your friends and neighbours at the Sanctuary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. A donation will be made to ALS on behalf of Kris.
A donation has been made to ALS Society of Canada. Message from the donator: Saddened by the loss of our dear friend. Kris you will be missed by your gang from Greenscapes. We will forever remember our time together, that you brought together. These memories and friends will remain forever, we will not forget you. Nancy, Ryan, Kyle and Family our deepest condolences, I hope find strength during this time. Our hearts remain with you.
Nancy and family. We are deeply sorry to learn of Chris’ passing, which proves life isn’t fair. Chris was always down to earth, and we remember his big smile and his good nature. We both recall the ‘good old days’, with murder mystery parties, and one Christmas dance in particular we were all going to attend. You and I realized they had both bought new suits …from the same store…and they were both green! We thought they’d look like the Bobsey Twins for sure, but were relieved the night of the party when Chris’ suit was light green; Waynes was dark green! Blessings to you all, and Nancy, our sincere sympathy to you. Karen and Wayne Norley
Nancy and all Kris' family: We were very sorry to hear of Kris's passing. What a great guy to know, and to share some life experiences with. Whether it was working on a parking lot, or leading a cub pack, Kris was an inspiration and a person one would like to know. May you find some comfort in knowing all that he did has meant so much to so many. Our thoughts, prayers and hopes for peace are with you all.
Thank you for the precious memories Kris. You will never be forgotten. Nancy and family, our heartfelt thoughts go out to you at this time. Be strong. Kris, finally, this was your circus and your monkey. Love you forever my friend.
A donation has been made to ALS. Message from the donator: Thinking of Nancy & Family.
Please accept our most sincere condolences on learning Kris had passed. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Services for Kris Johansen
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 24, 2024 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Words of Remembrance will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 24, 2024 3:00 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Dear Nancy, Ryan and Kyle, Frank and I treasure the memories of friendship and laughter, and all those boys! What a fine man he was, and how much he will be missed. I remember him often, and I am reminded of him whenever I look at my garden pond which he designed and built, one of my favourite things for over thirty years. I wish you peace and eventually great happiness in your memories. Fondly, Dyanne
~ Dyanne Wheatley