JOHNSON

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Leslie “Les” Barry Johnson of Rimbey, Alberta on Thursday, September 18, 2025, while on holidays in Barcelona, Spain, at the age of 73 years.

Les grew up on the family farm in the Rimbey area, where he learned the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity; qualities that shaped the person he became.  Les left the family farm once he graduated from Gas Technology at NAIT in 1974.

Upon completion of his schooling at NAIT, Les’s career in the oilpatch advanced rapidly in the international oil and gas industry. In 1973 the OPEC crisis occurred, which required non-OPEC sources of crude and specialized workers to be in high demand. This afforded Les the opportunity to start an adventurous career lasting 40 years. Les and a couple of friends spent four months in France training to become Flopetrol engineers. They went on assignment in several countries; such as Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Libya. In 1982 Les left the Schlumberger family and moved to Slant Drilling Systems as a technical advisor.  He worked as part of the development team; technology that is still utilized around the world today.  Les moved on to a stint with Computalog Ltd.’s coil tubing services, where he helped them develop an export market for their coiled tubing units.  Les then went back into the oilfield consulting business with Shell in Nigeria, Tesco Corporation in Algeria, Precision Drilling Services in Algeria, and Verenex Energy in Libya, ending his oilfield career with Total E&P in Nigeria. He retired in 2014 from his overseas career.

Les always had a vision and a desire to do projects in a safer and more “worker-friendly” manner. Thus, he founded On-site Facilities and Recycling Services out of Rimbey, specializing in stadium light towers and portable washroom facilities equipped with light towers.  Les’s ventures overseas provided him the opportunity to develop many long-term friends. It was not uncommon for Les to invite many of these friends to come visit him on the family farm in Rimbey, where Les was only too eager to show them around, followed by a tour of the Rimbey area.

Les was proud of his roots and took a keen interest in knowing and researching the history of numerous buildings, businesses, and homes in the area.  There were very few buildings or businesses in Rimbey that Les didn’t know the history of, and if he didn’t know, he made it a mission to find out.  Les also had a keen interest in preserving history.  All one had to do was visit Les’s farm to see how he took pride in bringing old, interesting items back to life, such as his collection of tractors and vehicles.  Les also enjoyed the modern era, as evident by his bright yellow Camaro with a whopping 560 horsepower.  He matched his car with his iconic yellow vest and hat.

Les was committed to preserving the family farm.  He set out to restore many of the outbuildings and took special pride in rebuilding the old barn.  If you knew Les, you knew that he was meticulous about tools and things having a specific place.  No job was done until the tools were back in their spot.  Les had pride in ownership, and it showed; whether it was a new fence being built or the lawn being cut, he wanted it done right.  All one had to do was take a walk around the farm to see the pride he took in maintaining it.  He was so proud to share this special place with many community members, such as the Rimbey Lions Club and the Gull Lake North Citizens on Patrol.  He gladly shared the yard and barn for weddings, school reunions, and family get-togethers.  The farm was a place where everyone looked forward to their gatherings.  Les was especially eager to share an iconic hayride with family, followed by a wiener roast.  The family farm was always that “feel good” meeting place filled with much fun and laughter.

His nieces and nephews truly meant the world to him, and he always took the time to phone or send a birthday greeting whenever a special occasion came around.  He would brag about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen.  They cherished the farm and loved their Uncle Les.  He would tell many interesting stories about his overseas adventures; it was always a treat to hear him speak. 

Les made friends quickly with little effort wherever he was in the world.  He had a special gift of being able to talk with just about anyone.  It didn’t matter if you were the CFO of a company or the bag boy at the local grocery store, he felt everyone had something to contribute.  Les really loved the strong sense of community around Rimbey and frequently donated to several causes, often anonymously.  Les also became an active member of the Rimbey Royal Canadian Legion and supported many projects with his partner Christine.  Most notably, they worked on the Veterans Banners Project.  These flags will be displayed around the town of Rimbey to honour past veterans.

Les’s partner, Christine, came into his life about three years ago. She brought that sparkle back into Les’s eyes and made him young again.  We are so happy they found each other, even for a short while.  Les and Christine had a wonderful trip planned on a Princess Cruise ship in the Mediterranean, tours through Italy and France, followed by a visit to the Maritimes. Unfortunately, this trip was cut short with his unexpected passing.

Les will be remembered for his kind soul, and being that special person you could always count on for a thoughtful conversation. Throughout his life he touched many hearts with his special phone calls, informative emails, and personalized cards. Les’s presence, family values, and steadfast approach to life will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Les will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and his partner Christine Fernie.  He is survived by his daughter Kayla; his mother, Gladys Johnson, who Les deeply treasured; two sisters Bev (Darrel) Bohlender and Val (Phil) Dolan; as well as his nieces and nephews Allison (Dave) Coleman, Chelsea Dolan (Matt Chomistek), Sarah Dolan (Joel Varjassy), Becky (Blake) Van Hecke, and Kyle (Ashley) Bohlender.  Les will also be deeply missed by his great-nieces and great-nephews Jett, Raye, and Kaden Coleman; Dolan and Cormac Chomistek; Vaya Varjassy; and Wren Van Hecke; in addition to many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Les was predeceased by his father, Herb Johnson, 32 years ago.

A Memorial Service in Celebration of Les’s Life will be held at the Keyera Place Community Centre (formerly the Peter Lougheed Community Centre), 5109-54 Street, Rimbey on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Ray Goodship officiating.  A Private Family Interment Service will take place at the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey.  If desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, c/o the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page. 

To view Les’s Memorial Service on October 17, 2025, click on the QR code below, or use your phone’s photo app to scan and access the Teams Live link:

Service Arrangements for the Late Leslie “Les” Barry Johnson entrusted to the care of