It is with great sadness that the family of Don Richard Johnston announces his peaceful passing on his 83rd birthday, February 14, 2017, with his loving wife Jolene and daughter Susan by his side.
Don was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Harry and Olive Johnston. He also lived a few years in Cold Lake, Manitoba as a young child.
His father Harry passed away when Don was just 17 years old, at which time Don took on the responsibility of supporting his mother and sister Judy.
In his life he engaged in many adventurous endeavours from constructing and grooming hills at Mt. Baldy to pool construction. He also owned his own landscaping company and crane operation with his friend Bob Roy. He held his hoisting certificate throughout his life which gave him great pride. He worked for Abitibi Woodlands for 41 years, retiring as Logging Superintendent.
He owned Northern Waters Fly in Fishing camps and a CFICX Super Cub float plane which was the love of his life. Don loved to hunt, fish, golf and curl. He enjoyed summers working in his yard and garden, and tending his orchards of fruit trees. In the winter he lived at Tuscon Estates with his Canadian Tuscon family where he enjoyed swimming in the pool, hot tubbing, golfing, and apre golf happy hours on the patios.
Don is survived by his loving wife Jolene, his daughter Susan, grandsons Jesse and Sam, son-in-law Laurie Merriam and his step-sons, best friends Milan and Chris Spoljarich, sister Judy (Ken) Carney and his nieces Theresa and Dawna of Winnipeg, special cousin Ron Kupchik, and his brother Wayne of Selkirk.
He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Olive, his first wife Myrtle, son Murray, step-parent Ross Tiegs, aunts Pauline (Jack) Moffat and their daughter Pat, and Phyllis (Dan) Kupchik of Winnipeg. Lastly, a special thought to his sister-in-law Sylia (Sibby) Nachuk.
Per Don’s request, cremation has taken place and a service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017 in the Chapel of the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, officiated by Fr. Donnelly. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service time. Interment will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Shelter House.
Love you till we meet again
