Eli Jeanty Johansen May 2, 1933 – December 10, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Eli at Marshall Gowland Manor in Sarnia on Dec.10, 2024. He was the loving husband of Johnna, treasured father of Trevor and Brian (Christine) and Papa to his cherished grandchildren – Willow, Jonas, Paige and Hanna. He was predeceased by his infant son, Darren (1977). Eli was born in Denmark, the youngest child of Christian and Dagmar, and with a yen to see the world, he emigrated to Canada in 1957. Here he met Johnna and married into the “Schmidt Clan” also immigrants from Denmark. His love of travelling, took his family on many trips far and wide. In the summers it was pulling the hard-top trailer from coast to coast across Canada and he also managed to visit all 50 states of the USA. March Breaks were spent travelling south to warmer weather, often with a special group of friends, visiting numerous resorts or cruising. Let us not forget that every 3-4 years it was a return trip to his beloved Denmark to visit family. His sisters, Tove and Ruth, and brother Aage predeceased him leaving his sister-in-law, Inger and 5 nieces – Ellen, Bente, Inger, Lisbeth, and Birgit and their families. Eli spent many good times with Johnna’s family on special occasions or just visiting. His brother-in-law, Peter, predeceased him but left with lasting memories are his sisters-in-law – Anna (Ron), Alice (Lloyd), Bente (Rick) and Linda (Peter)and all their children and grand-children. Eli will be remembered by neighbours as always being happy and willing to help where there was a need. He could handle anything that needed fixing, be it electrical, plumbing-related, carpentry or landscaping, all skills he made sure Trevor and Brian mastered. After his retirement from Cabot Carbon, he enjoyed spending his Fridays on Stag Island doing lawn and garden work. He was always working on something in the garage but did take daily trips down to Tim Horton’s with Jim Zink prior to Jim’s death. Unfortunately, dementia started to take over his life seven years ago. We are very grateful to the staff from the Alzheimer’s Society in Sarnia who provided assistance in dealing with this disease. We would like to thank the staff of the Rose Neighbourhood at Marshall Gowland Manor for their compassionate care for the past 18 months. Eli actually believed he was spending time at a resort. Quite the recommendation! Friends will be received at the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna on Monday December 16, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. Cremation has already taken place and a private family burial service will be held in Moore-Union Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia/Lambton and would be greatly appreciated by the family. Messages and condolences may be left on line at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845