Life has been marvelous, full of good times, challenges, hard work, uncontrollable risks, fulfilling rewards. Gloria (B. Music ’69) and I have enjoyed 40 rich years together and it has been easier than I ever expected. She’s a tolerant woman who doesn’t nag. I’m a deadlines and just-in-time man and the honey-do list is long so I really appreciate her tolerance and patience.
Since 1971 we have been operating a mixed farm - 3 partners, First myself, added my brother and now my son.
My business career has been very straight-forward.1969-1971: Ag extension in Claresholm and Lethbridge. May 1971: I pass on extension and agronomy opportunities to return to the family farm at Mowbray MB. For the uneducated, this is SW of Morden and just 3 miles from Jack’s Bar at Maida, ND. I expect many of you have enjoyed a great steak and a stimulating atmosphere there. Between the Pembina valley and the North Dakota border, we have raised and merchandised hundreds of purebred Simmental cattle and hundreds of purebred Boer goats, tonnes and tonnes of canola, flax, sunflowers, hemp, grass seed and cereals. I’ve also raised a lot of cain and eye brows. Oh yes, and three perfect children.
Regrets. Ideas I’ve had and didn’t pursue hard enough; never acquiring keyboard skills, never having a flashy sports car (yet); haven’t won a provincial or national sports championship; the 70 hour work week; and never had enough wisdom or knowledge.
Things I miss. Deceased family and friends; 40-hour work week.
Passions. Farming, family, baseball, fastball, and now 55-plus slow pitch, my Christian faith. Although it wouldn’t qualify as a passion, I’ve invested a lot of time and money, planning and effort into community youth work.
Present state. Grain farming with only one son having sold the cattle and goats in 2007.
-extremely healthy and Gloria quite healthy
Moving to Manitou in October- -
Arizona –winter retreat to play slow-pitch and soak up the sun
-poor but happy
-seven wonderful grandchildren
Railroad Baron – shares in Manitoba’s new and only shortline RR
Thankful for: achievements- coaching a national championship
Grand Champion @ Agribition show
-talented, fabulous wife
-clever, personable and healty children
Philosophy.
-There are a lot of decisions to make - some will be erroneous so be sure to make the biggest decisions right.
-when faced with a conundrum, give it time to sort itself out
-Don’t worry over things of which I have no control
-plan ahead but be flexible
-learn by experience and try to space out my mistakes
-tomorrow is another day. Live today
Mel Johnston
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