Lorraine and Rod Johnson are pillars in the Barrhead community, with good reason. In 1961 the Barrhead UFA Petroleum Agency was also home to the local auto body business operated by Rod's father Fred. Rod became part of the family business when he began his career driving the fuel truck in 1973. Soon after he took his auto body license and began working in the body shop.
Rod and Lorraine celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past Christmas. Of those 40 years, 37 have been spent working alongside one another at the agency and on their farm. They have also raised three children, who have all successful in their own careers.
Their oldest Shawn is married to Melanie. They live on an acreage in Sherwood Park with their 3 sons Ethan, Eli and Kane. The family is extremely busy with school and all boys are in hockey with two also in football. Their daughter Nicole or "Coco" is married to Jeff and they also have three children; Addy, Lily and Dean. They live in Edmonton and are homeschooled by Coco. All of their children are involved in soccer and skating and other after-school activities.
Byron is their youngest and married to Nicole and together they have two boys, Trey and Rogan. They live by Carvel Corner west of Stony Plain. Trey is in kindergarten and the boys love to snowboard and motorbike.
Rod and Lorraine operate a cow/calf with about 150 head by themselves. They produce all of the feed necessary for the winter months. Even though none of the kids wanted to follow their parents' path of running the UFA or farming they are pleased they have fulfilled their own dreams.
What's the secret to happily working together all these years? "Knowing that our customers are satisfied in our efforts to supply them with their needs," said Lorraine.
In honour of their retirement, the couple has decided to forgo a celebration and instead are donating to the local food bank and Family Community Support Services (FCSS), supporting youth programming which provides equipment for children, ensuring they have the opportunity to participate in sports.
Lorraine spent 16 years giving back as an Auxiliary R.C.M.P. in the community and she says that although she doesn't have the time to volunteer like she used to, this was one way of ensuring the programs that needed it most, received the funding.
Lorraine adds that the success of a business is also achieved by the staff that you employ. "My girl Friday, Lori Fraedrich, has been with us for over 20 years. Our last driver retired from our agency and was also employed for over 20 years. We owe them a debt of gratitude and appreciation for their commitment to our success."
Even though they didn't want to be in the spotlight, Lorraine and Rod Johnson are shining examples of what it means to be community builders. From giving back to local charities, to raising children who are involved in their respective local communities, to providing exceptional customer service for decades, the Johnson's have continuously made a positive impact and fostered a culture of reciprocity. Congratulations to Lorraine and Rod, not only on their UFA Petroleum Agent anniversary, but for making a difference in their local community.
Rod and Lorraine announced their retirement after 49 years of servicing their community as UFA Petroleum Agents. UFA Co-operative is only as good as its people and Rod and Lorraine set the gold standard in customer service. We wish Rod and Lorraine all the best in retirement and thank them for their many years of dedicated service. The couple certainly leaves a last legacy, not only in their community, but in our co-operative.
