Carl Edward James Johnson

Carl Edward James Johnson, aged 76, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31st at Ascension Seton Hospital in Austin Texas. After a stroke on March 10, Carl dealt with numerous complications, compounded by his Parkinson's related issues, which were too difficult to overcome. Carl was born on July 24, 1947 in New Westminster, Canada, to his parents, Evelyn Dakota Johnson, who lost her battle to cancer when Carl was just 16 years old and John Victor Johnson, who lived to the age of 96. Carl grew up in Langley, B.C., as the youngest of three. His late sister Alice and brother Bob created many memories during their childhood in the outskirts of Vancouver. Carl enjoyed telling stories of racing with his friends down gravel hills, terrorizing tin cans with his slingshot, working his newspaper route and picking blackberries with his sister. His childhood instilled a strong work ethic and a lifelong self sufficiency. Carl attended Langley public schools. After graduation, he began his accounting internship in Vancouver and spent his evenings studying at the University of British Columbia, where he obtained his CPA. Carl was hired by Dart Industries in 1972, and was then sent to work as an international auditor in Brussels, Belgium in 1973. He traveled extensively for work in Europe and elsewhere around the globe. Carl met Irene Patricia Hall at an ice skating rink in Brussels, Belgium with a group of friends. Irene would join Carl on his travels whenever possible, which began their life-long passion for travel. The two were married in 1975 and had two children in Brussels; Laura Dawn Johnson (Heard) and Christopher Dean Johnson. His drive and ability to connect with others enabled him to advance in the company. After 9 years of frequent business trips, Carl and Irene decided they needed more stability with their new family, so when an opportunity came up in 1981 to transfer to the US and advance his career in an international finance capacity, he was ready for the challenge. In 1982, Carl moved his family from Brussels to Libertyville, Illinois, north of Chicago. Carl was an excellent provider for his family and raised them on a family friendly cul-de-sac on Evergreen Court. He could be spotted at his children's numerous activities including baseball games, soccer, volleyball, wrestling matches and art shows. He enjoyed being the unofficial Christmas decorator of the cul-de-sac and mingling at the numerous memorable neighborhood get-togethers. In 1984, Carl accepted a short-term assignment in London, England where he was responsible for opening a company office. His wife Irene, from the UK, was thrilled to be back closer to her family. They enjoyed two years in Beaconsfield, England before settling back into the same house in Libertyville in 1986. Carl continued his education, earning an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Business in 1992. After the children left for college and the army, they moved to Grayslake, IL in 1999. At about the same time, a merger between Premark International and ITW occurred, which left Carl unemployed. Carl opted for early retirement. In 2002 and 2004 Carl and Irene pursued their love of travel and education with Semester-At-Sea trips around the world. Always the explorers, Carl and Irene began their 14-year love affair with Mexico, retiring in Puerto Vallarta in 2008. They became involved in the community, and volunteered in numerous activities, which included Puerto Vallarta's Los Mango public library and community center, with Carl as their accountant; BECAS (a scholarship program); as well as teaching in local schools. After 7 years, they relocated to the cooler mountains of Lake Chapala, near Guadalajara, where they continued to enjoy the culture and simple life, along with other expats from Canada & USA. After declining health following his Parkinson's diagnosis, Carl and Irene moved to Austin in 2021 for healthcare and to be close to family. While in Texas, he enjoyed the company of his five grandchildren and loved exploring the walking trails of Austin and Georgetown. Carl passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family to the song Amazing Grace. Carl is survived by his wife Irene and their two children, Laura Heard and Christopher Johnson, as well as his grandchildren Ava, Adian, Isaac, Silas and Kasper. An intimate Celebration of Life for the family will be held on Saturday, May 3rd in Cedar Creek, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to Puerto Vallarta's Library, details below: Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta AC: RFC: PBV931123-SM2; Account # 011 5407494; Bank Code # 0123 7500 1154 0749 47; Bancomer Bank Reference Account # 0017 8030 0538 4266 OR Michael J Fox Foundation

Carl Edward James Johnson

July 24, 1947 - March 31, 2024