Obituary of Clarence Johns

Clarence Percival Johns September 3, 1919 - June 28, 2017 It is with great sadness that we, Clarence’s family, announce his peaceful passing at the Veterans Village in Saskatoon at the age of 97 years. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his sons: Brian (Dianne) and Alan (friend Debbie); grandchildren: Christine (DJ), Jaclyn, Shannon (Geoff), David (Cathy), Jason (Jenn); great-grandchildren: Austin, Londyn, Emery, Brooke, Reid, Naomi, Jazzelle and Finley; brother-in-law Ralph Wallin; sister-in-law Mary Wallin; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clarence was predeceased by his wife Elsie, son Garry, parents William (Doc. Johns) and Alta Johns and in-law family members. In 1906, Clarence’s parents moved west from southern Ontario because his father was hired as the Doctor for the men building the Grand Trunk Railroad in northern B.C. and later became the municipal doctor in Viscount, Sask. Clarence was born and attended elementary school in Viscount and then moved to Long Beach, California where he took his high school and two years of pre-medicine training at the university. He also played forward for the Long Beach Cubs, a semi-professional hockey team. After the outbreak of World War II, Clarence left university and his hockey career behind and travelled by train to Vancouver to enlist with the Canadian Air Force. He took his flight training in Saskatchewan and Alberta and got his Wings in 1941. He was sent to England for training on the Bristol Beaufighter, a twin engine fighter aircraft. Here he was assigned to 272 Squadron, a British Air Force Squadron operating in the Mediterranean. Clarence flew out of North Africa, Malta, Sicily and Italy. Clarence’s service was against Axis ships and trains to prevent them from delivering supplies to enemy troops and in the protection of Allied convoys. In 1944, Clarence returned to England to teach aerial tactics to the new pilots. He was discharged at the end of the war in 1945. Clarence was awarded the following Campaign Stars, Clasps and Medals: The 1939 – 1945 Star, The Africa Star, The Italy Star, The Defence Medal, The War Medal 1939 – 1945, The 1939 – 1945 Voluntary Service Medal and The Malta Cross. When Clarence returned to Canada he met and later married Elsie Wallin in 1947. Clarence and Elsie started their life together by moving to California then later moved to Viscount, Sask. to start a family and begin farming. Clarence and Elsie spent their years growing wheat, oats, barley, canola and flax. In 1979, they moved to Saskatoon but continued to farm and visit regularly with their Viscount friends and families and attend community events. Clarence was a member of the Masonic Lodge and after retirement, he kept busy with managing the farm, wood working and learning to fly model airplanes. Clarence and his family would like to thank the previous and present Baltzan physicians for the excellent medical care received over the years. Sincere appreciation is also extended to the staff at the Veterans Village for their support and care of Clarence. He often said, “they sure take good care of me here”. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 362, 3021 Louise Street, Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L1; or Veterans Village c/o Sherbrooke Community Centre, 401 Acadia Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7H 2E7 would be appreciated.