It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cory Johnson at the age of 36 at Queen Elizabeth ll Health Sciences Centre on February 17, 2023. Born in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Cory is the son of Carlos Kanaan (Karen) and Colleen Johnson.

Cory was quick to demonstrate values that he would carry throughout his life, such as a strong work ethic, and his belief that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, including becoming a delivery boy for the Sault Star at only eight years of age!

In his teens, Cory moved to Ottawa where he would meet his wife and start a family. Cory then joined the Royal Canadian Navy and moved back to Sault Ste. Marie to attend Sault College. In 2013, Cory with his wife and daughters, moved to Nova Scotia to continue his career with the Navy. Even though he lived a short life he got to see more places than most, as deploying with the Navy allowed him to travel across the Atlantic and explore.

Cory had a passion for health and fitness and started powerlifting in his early 20s. He participated in both Provincial and National competitions where he broke the provincial record in Nova Scotia for his age and weight category. He also broke the all-time record at the Souda Bay Air-Force Spartan gym in Greece during a deployment.

Cory, a true girl dad, who would do anything to make his daughters smile, enjoyed dressing up as a prince for a tea party, dancing to Disney songs with his daughters, and letting his daughters do his make-up and nails. Cory loved baking (while singing Rihanna’s songs) and enjoyed hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and snowboarding.

Cory was a gentle giant who cared so much about his family, friends, coworkers and even strangers. He was adventurous, brave, and always pushed his family and friends to become their best selves. His memory will live on through those who love him.

In 2019, Cory experienced a devastating motor vehicle accident which resulted in quadriplegia. His bravery and determination throughout this experience has inspired everyone around him.

Cory is survived by his loving wife Mythily Johnson, daughters Bryasha and Breanna Johnson, and his brother Christopher Kanaan. Cory will be missed by his uncles; Gordon Childs (Dianne), Phillip Childs, Joseph Childs (Arlene), James Childs (Caryn), Jason Childs (Jennifer) and cousins; Melissa Childs, Daniel Childs (Natasha), Benjamin Childs (Julie), Joshua Childs, Timothy Childs (Nicole), Sarah Jessop (Johnny), Shannon Rooley (Kyle), Trevor Childs (Jessica), Alexander Childs, Caleb Childs, Josiah Childs, Kendra Childs, Emma Childs, Rachel Childs, Erin Childs, and many more cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Cory is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Gloria and Henry Childs, paternal grandparents, Anton and Yvonne Kanaan, and his Uncle John Childs (Valerie).

Special thanks to Cory’s friends, Kylevin Sharp and William Bonvie, for being by Cory’s side throughout many military adventures and for the support after his accident.

Thank you to all the healthcare workers at CFB Halifax, QEll, NS Rehabilitation Centre, Lyndhurst Centre at Toronto Rehab, and Legacy of Life team at Nova Scotia Health for supporting Cory and his family since his accident.

A private celebration of life will be organized for family and friends in coming weeks.

Donations in memory of Cory Johnson can be made to QEll foundation. The donor should specify “Donations to the QEII Foundation for the Neuro/SCI Program” under specific area or purpose for the donation. The donor may make their donation through the website www.qe2foundation.ca, mail a cheque, or can call directly (902 442 7147).

Messages and memorials can be directed to the Johnson family by visiting Eirene.ca/memorials