MERRIL "KEN" JOHNSON; With great sadness and heavy hearts we said our good byes to our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather January 21, 2009 at the age of 84. Ken was born in Mikado, SK, December 21, 1924 to John and Margaret Johnson. Predeceased by his parents; brothers: Harold, Bill and Jack. Sisters: Irene, Isabel, Jeanne and Winnie. Survived by sister Irma McInstry, Weyburn SK, and brother Norman of Calgary, AB. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ken joined the navy at 17 years of age and was a veteran of the D Day invasion at Normandy. After his discharge from service Ken ventured north to Yellowknife, N.W.T. where he found work in the mines, hoisting and diamond drilling. Ken also did some prospecting and worked in Uranium City, SK, at Rix Athabasca Mine. Ken and his family lived in Sherwood Park, AB near the Gulf oil refinery where he worked from 1954-1973. He then transferred to the Kamloops refinery and worked until its closure. After his retirement, Ken and Audrey made numerous trips to Mexico. Ken loved the ocean and made new and very special friends there with the families they met. There were many return visits with the new amigos both in Kamloops and Mexico. Ken is survived by Audrey his wife of 55 years and is sadly missed by children: Heidi Johnson of Invermere, BC; Kim; Bill (Uli); Lisa (special son-in-law, Randy) Somogyi of Kamloops, BC. Grandchildren Cameron Johnson (Amber), Robert, Laura, William and Rory Johnston, Daniel (Stephanie) and Matthew Somogyi and Great Granddaughter Aleah Johnson. <B> AND HIS FAITHFUL BEST FRIEND "POCO" WE ALL LOVE YOU POPPY A celebration of Ken's life is planned for Father's Day, June 21, 2009