Timothy J. Johnson

Timothy James Johnson

(3 September 1939 – 30 September 2024)

Timothy was born in London, England, the eldest son of Eileen and Anglican vicar Alfred Johnson.

Tim was educated at Wye College (B.Sc. horticulture); University of the West Indies Trinidad (Diploma in Tropical Agriculture); and Michigan State University (Ph.D. pear post-harvest physiology). Tim worked in various horticultural capacities in Nigeria, Kenya and Honduras.  His interest in international development led him to serve as the Executive Director of ISAID, focusing on integrated development in Niger, and later as a project officer with CARE Canada. 

Tim’s long-term concern for social justice eventually brought him to champion the cause of socially responsible investment as an independent financial planner specializing in socially responsible investment. Tim’s 2005 diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and subsequent retirement did not dampen his zest for life but rather opened the way to travel, annual stays in the Dordogne, France, enjoyment of opera, Tai Chi, hiking and indulging in his enduring love of green, growing things.

Tim is survived by his wife Michelle Wan; daughters Kate (Bob; granddaughter Melanie); Sekoia (grandson Ray); and Emily (Dan; granddaughters Devon and Elyse). He is predeceased by his first wife Eleanor.

Dearly loved and greatly missed, your presence among us is a gift we will ever cherish.

“Dad, ever curious and full of wonder about the world, held on strongly, not wanting to let what he holds so dear go.  Thank you for your mischievous humour, your incredible intellect, your love of plants, animals and the natural world, your enjoyment of your family and children.  You’ll be missed Dad!  Thank you and God bless.” (Sekoia).

“With a hearty sense of humour and a mischievous curiosity for anything new, our Dad was a bonvivant, an adventurer and a dreamer who took his family on a wild ride all over the world and gave us beautiful memories.  Thanks for the good times, Dad.  We love you.” (Kate).

A memorial service celebrating Tim’s life will be held at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk Street, on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:00pm. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre.

Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wall-custance.com).

A tree will be planted in memory of Timothy J. Johnson at the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.