Laurie passed away on May 11, 2024, at the age of 95, after a short illness. While this is sad, mercifully, he is now free from the deep, enduring loneliness he felt since the passing of his wife, Audrey, in 2020.
Laurie, the older of two children, was born in Armstrong, BC, on August 28, 1928, to Arvid and Florence Johnson.
During high school, he worked part-time at the local drug store, where he developed a keen interest in photography. He went on to take passport, confirmation, graduation, and wedding pictures for many of Golden’s citizens.
He did his own developing, as well as his own colouring, in the days of black-and-white film only. His beautiful scenic photos appeared on postcards and in publications such as The Vancouver Sun and The British Empire Games Souvenir Book (1954). After completing high school, Laurie went to Vancouver to study Morse code and typing in order to become a telegraph operator.
In 1949, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, he began work for the CPR. He married Audrey Gunby on June 29, 1950, in Armstrong. In 1951, having worked two years on the spare board (covering vacations, etc.), Laurie got the afternoon shift job at Leanchoil, BC (18 miles east of Golden).
He and Audrey spent four years there, living in a small dwelling directly beside the train tracks! In 1955, he got a day shift job in Golden, at which time they moved into their quiet “forever home” in town. Laurie retired from the CPR after 35 years of service.
Laurie was a good athlete and an avid outdoorsman. In his youth, he played high-level hockey and lacrosse. As an adult, he took up hunting, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing (downhill and cross-country), archery, and golf. As well, he enjoyed the indoor sports of volleyball, badminton, darts, and curling.
He was active with the local Rod and Gun club, cadets, and several other clubs and youth groups. For many winters, he volunteered on weekends with the Lake Louise ski patrol. But Laurie loved fishing most of all, even learning how to tie his own flies for fly fishing.
He and son-in-law Bob enjoyed many fishing trips around BC, and he was excited about every catch, whether it was a two-pound trout or a twenty-pound salmon. Laurie also spent many happy hours in his workshop, yard, and garden.
Laurie and Audrey enjoyed travelling. They spent summer vacations camping around BC, progressing over the years from pup tent to trailer. After retirement, they visited many foreign destinations such as Egypt, Greece, Europe, Great Britain, Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Bali.
Laurie is survived by daughter Pat (Bill) Windrum of Tsawwassen, daughter Carol (Bob) Braisher of Parson, sister Gwen Dewhurst of Kelowna, grandsons Sean Windrum of Tsawwassen and Keith Windrum of Vancouver, step-granddaughter Christine (Bill) Simpson of Edmonton, and step-great-granddaughter Elora Simpson of Edmonton.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Home Health, Mountain View, and Durand Manor for their kind care over the past few years.
