Wednesday, October 29, 2025
As a very impressionable young boy, I witnessed much through my parents’ boating friends. The Johnsons were a part of many cherished memories that I revisit often. The Johnsons they were good friends who shared our family’s love of life on the water. It was the Johnsons who introduced my Parents to Georgian Bay over the course of two consecutive weekends, which resulted in my Dad reserving a slip at Bay Moorings that summer, and purchasing a boat that winter. I was 9 years old, and for the next 10 years, I spent every summer weekend at the boat.
One summer, I was brought aboard the Sea Witch, a 48-foot Gulfstar Trawler, as crew. I had my own cabin on the boat and was responsible for catching fish from the zodiac, assisting with docking, and cleaning the decks. When my duties were complete, I would often sit on the aft deck with “Mrs. Johnson”, where we’d play backgammon or Othello — not just one game, but several. She had a sharp mind and a friendly competitiveness that made our matches lively and engaging.
During that vacation, I caught a pike at Go Home Bay. Mrs. Johnson helped me clean the fish, and I proudly set the table for dinner. We were serving “Gordie’s Pike.” For the centerpiece, I created a small arrangement from a water lily placed in a bowl with a tiny minnow swimming inside — a touch of life and movement at the center of the table.
The Soma Tova, The Christie 2 and the Sea Witch (a small armada commanded by Mr J) travelled from Penetang bay to Kilarney and back. Through the small craft waterway we traversed some of the most spectacular bays, islands and coves one could imagine. The highlight was our celebratory dinner at the Sportsman’s Lodge.
Those moments left a lasting impression on me. The Johnsons’ life — with their beautiful boat and gracious way of living — represented a world I aspired to. Over time, I came to appreciate that the best parts of those summers were not the comforts or possessions, but the kindness, laughter, and sense of belonging that came from being with friends; Mrs. Johnson (Audrey) being one of them. I’ll always remember her fondly. Sincerest condolences from my sisters Linda and Sylvia, and my Father Andrew, signed Gordon Hamilton Jennings
