In loving memory of
Raymond Andrew Johnson
Raymond Andrew Johnson, 68, of Maplewood, passed away on July 24, 2025 at the Halifax
Hospice with family by his side.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he was the son of the late Ronald and Dirkje (Termul) Johnson.
Professionally, Ray was an innovative and highly respected teacher, who loved his work. He
made significant contributions to policy development, social justice, and human rights education via research and conference presentations. He unceasingly taught people tolerance and acceptance. He worked especially hard to educate against hatred, as his Mothers family lived under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands during WWII.
His life-long passions included being in wilderness/nature, and art (particularly music, painting, sketching, and photography) which he practiced on the trails throughout Nova Scotia. Many weekend trips with friends were spent from the Shelburne migration beaches such as Hawk, to the bird sanctuaries of New Brunswick, and the highland mountains of Cape Breton, capturing the vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from above the clouds, on the tops of the peaks. He instilled these passions in his daughter, who spent most of her summers learning and camping with her father. Many weekends called for “Beauty Days” where he would follow his nose and the sun with friends, discovering “ribbon rock” and other geological interests, metal detecting on beaches, diving, and enjoying winter picnics at Blomidon. Lots of laughter ensued, as adventures popped up, such as getting lost on the Cape Split trail (of all places) and having to get to the end by crawling through underbrush and under tree falls, with loaded packs, until finding the road where a celebratory dance was held. More fun and games followed, such as nervously skirting the bull’s field on the way to the coast at Finley’s Point / Mabou Coal Mines Harbour area. Great campfire stories arose from forging East River in the winter, climbing to Egypt Falls, and Boxing Day hikes in the highlands.
An excellent cook, Ray taught numerous family and friends how to achieve culinary delight, and provided instruction in the finer points of jam and jelly making. His friends and family will rejoice in the memories of decades of fine times.
Ray leaves behind his daughter Jessica Layton (Rob Forrest) and grandsons Isaac and Elliott
Layton; sister, Adrian Cooper, brother, Ronald (Colleen); as well as close friends Shirley and
Phil Burris.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Peter.
In keeping with Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family and friends
graveside service to take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care
Cremations.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to Craig’s Cause (Pancreatic Cancer) would be appreciated
by the family. The family wishes to thank Hospice Halifax staff for their dedication and
professionalism; it was a blessing to have Raymond under your care.
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FAVOURITE CAUSES
PHOTOS
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Ray was a shining light for many over the years, myself included. I spent a lot of time in my high school years in Ray’s classroom, working on the projects he helped inspire and bring to life. He was an inspiration, and will continue to do so in his passing. My deepest condolences go out to the family. Rest in Peace, Ray. ♥
Ray was so memorable to me; he always had a smile on his face. My highschool years would have been very different without him and I genuinely hope peace and comfort finds his family. Rest in peace Ray.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Ray’s passing. We spent much time together during the RCH conferences/ Professional development , and his unwavering determination to create positive change was a true reflection of his passion for learning and sharing. Ray genuinely believed in a better world, and his absence will be
profoundly felt. I’m grateful to have known and worked alongside him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
It’s with sadness that I read of Ray’s passing. We were work colleagues for a number of years. We shared a few adventures from the, some that saw us enter the bowels of the earth. He spoke at great lengths about his family with much joy, along with his joy for cars of certain pedigree. I will miss seeing his artist photography of all things wild.