Thormod E. Johansen

The Funeral Service for Thormod Johansen will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Please click HERE.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Thormod Johansen at the Health Sciences Centre Intensive Care Unit on April 27, 2026.

Thormod was the beloved son of the late Alf and Ella Johansen of Oslo, Norway, and a brother to the late Harriet Johansen. He is survived by his beloved daughters Hege, her children and grandchildren, son Alf Christian, youngest daughter Hanne (Marius), and their children, Matheo and Tage. Unni (former wife and mother of their children).  He is also survived by Cecilia (close friend and caregiver during his illness) and cherished stepson Fraser Neil (Patricia).

In 1992, Thormod earned his PhD at the University of Oslo in Norway. He also held the prominent position of Chief Engineer with a leading Norwegian oil company, where he was responsible for developing innovative software, highly regarded within the petroleum industry. In 2002, he moved to Newfoundland to join Memorial University, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science as Canada Research Chair in Petroleum Reservoir Engineering and Characterization (2002–2009).

Until his retirement in 2017, Thormod continued as a highly valued professor with the faculty and also successfully mentored many students in the pursuit of their doctorate. His expertise was in petroleum engineering, simulation, software design, and specification. He also authored and co-authored journals, and many papers.

Thormod was also a man of leisure. He very much enjoyed traveling, having visited Rome more than once, as well as many other places. He enjoyed going for long walks when visiting a new place, believing that the best way to take in everything was to walk. Relaxing dinners, particularly with a nice bottle of wine, whether at home or in a restaurant, were something he greatly enjoyed. He could sit for hours listening to jazz, with Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker among his favorites. He would play “Menina Moca” on his saxophone every evening in the basement until his youngest daughter fell asleep. He was also a talented painter and enjoyed many hours of salmon fishing in Central Newfoundland. He was what one might call a connoisseur of life.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Alf Christian’s special friend, Selina Boland (like a daughter to Thormod). Selina was a delight and a comfort to Thormod, spending time with him watching jazz videos, biblical movies, celebrating holidays, going for dinners and long drives, and sharing laughter and deep conversation.

The family would also like to thank the special ladies who went above and beyond the call of duty: Nurse Ivy, Nurse Regz, Hila, and Glaiza, who lovingly provided in-home care during Thormod’s illness. Nurse Ghina for making his favorite beef barley and turkey soup. Special thanks to the staff of 4 South A at the HSC, who provided care during his hospital stay. Much gratitude is also extended to the staff of St. Patrick’s Mercy Home in 1 North, the STC and HSC Emergency Department, and the HSC ICU staff who went above and beyond the call of duty when needed. Thank you!

He also leaves to mourn his loved ones, extended family, best friends Kjartan & Ole Bjorn, and former colleagues at Memorial University and in Norway.

Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the Carnell’s Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/generaldonation/donations/start