JOHANNSON Sheldon

1967 – 2012
It is with great sorrow that the family of Sheldon Arthur Johannson of
Taber, announce his passing on Monday, October 8, 2012 at the age of 45
years after a hard fought battle with pneumonia.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue,
Taber on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell
officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may
be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Our precious Sheldon was the beloved son of Baldur and Leone Johannson. His
memory will be forever cherished by his parents, brother Jason, sister Arica
(Daron) Jensen and his nephews Cole, Spencer, Carter and Skylar as well as
numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta,
British Columbia and California.
He was predeceased by his Grandma and Grandpa Johannson; Grandma and
Grandpa Rydberg; uncles Harold Johannson, Clarence and Glen Rydberg.
Sheldon was born in Birtle, Manitoba on March 8, 1967 and what a wonderful
bundle of joy he was. Growing up Sheldon was full of energy and
determination. He completed his education (kindergarten to grade twelve)
there. Upon graduation he moved to Taber. Sheldon was fun loving, gentle,
compassionate and kind to all those around him and most of all loved to live
life to the fullest. He was passionate about waterskiing, snowmobiling,
motorbikes and most of all cars – just about anything that went fast!
Sheldon was attending the University of Lethbridge, in his second year,
studying towards a Bachelor of Management degree. It was his dream to enter
the automotive industry and follow in his father’s footsteps. That was when
tragedy struck. On October 23, 1987 he was involved in a single vehicle car
accident that almost took his life. He was air lifted to Calgary via STARS
where he courageously fought for his life. He won that fight and survived.
However, a full recovery was not meant to be. Once he was stabilized, he was
transferred to the Taber hospital where he spent the next four years.
Sheldon then moved into the first group home, established by Taber Special
Needs. He remained there until his passing.
After his accident, Sheldon never regained his ability to talk, walk or
control his body. He was completely dependent on the Taber Special Needs
staff and over the last twenty years, what wonderful staff he has had. He
had the best possible care anyone could have asked for. We know that Sheldon
loved and appreciated his staff and we also know that they loved him.
During the last twelve years, Sheldon and his family received a tiny
miracle. He regained his ability to smile and laugh. “And laugh he did!”
Whether it was the Comedy network on television, a funny joke, a funny
story, a sarcastic comment made by staff or family, he laughed. Through
this tiny miracle we were assured that Sheldon heard and understood
everything around him.
Throughout the last twenty five years, Sheldon’s mother was the most
instrumental person in his life. Leone visited with him every day, only
missing a handful of days each year. What a wonderful blessing it was for
Sheldon to have her. She never wavered in her complete commitment to her
son. Nothing compares to a mother’s love for her children. The bond that
Sheldon and his mother shared is a wonderful blessing that will never be
forgotten. That bond will carry into the eternities.
Over the last couple of weeks, Sheldon put up a valiant fight against
pneumonia but his body, already in a weakened condition, just couldn’t
overcome the infection.
Sheldon is now free. He has met his maker and is perfect again. How joyous
it must have been for him to regain his ability to talk and walk freely. We
know he is smiling down on us and saying “Look at me, I am finally free!”
Though our hearts are aching, we know we will meet again soon.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Sheldon’s name may be made
directly to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, PO Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E
8M7 (www.stars.ca).
The family would like to thank the North Residence, Taber Special Needs
caregivers for the wonderful care Sheldon received on a daily basis. Also
thanks to Dr. Beckie for his commitment and compassion for Sheldon
throughout the years since his accident and more recently Dr. Hughes. As
well the staff at the Taber hospital and Lethbridge ICU – they truly tried
everything possible to save our Sheldon and we are so very greatful for
that.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403)
223-8778.