Obituary of Donald George Johnston

JOHNSTON, Donald George

An avid traveller, Donald George Johnston departed on his final journey, peacefully in his 84th year, at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on October 25th. Loving husband to Doris (Whitton) for over 58 years.   Proud father to Kenneth Johnston(Andrea) of Halifax and Kelvin Johnston (Evelyn) of Newmarket. Indulgent Papa to 7 Grandchildren, Taylor, Ellie, Kelsey, Kennedy, Evan, Ethan and Keatyn.  Don served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1952-1957 and was the first of 3 generations to serve in the Canadian military (followed by his son Ken and granddaughter Ellie).  Don’s career in the public sector was as a surveyor/inspector for the Ontario Ministry of Highways for over 30 years while being a part time beef farmer, all before retiring and hitting the road with Doris by his side in their RV.  Predeceased by his parents Jack and Minnie Hazel (Grills), his stepdad Virgil Oliver, and his only brother Bill Johnston (Phyllis) of Campbellford.  He was Uncle Don to many nieces and nephews.

He believed in giving back to his community: President of Norwood Minor hockey, President of the Trent Valley Shrine club, member of the Masonic lodge of Norwood and was about to receive pin for his 60 years of membership in the Norwood Legion on Nov. 4th.  As Don was often known for his moustache, in lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Movember campaign, raising funds for men’s cancer and men’s mental health: mobro.co/kelvinjohnston65?mc=1

After years of travel, Don has gone to his final RV campground.  Gone but not forgotten. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at THE HEDNREN FUNERAL HOMES, NORWOOD CHAPEL, 36 Queen Street Norwood, on Sunday October 29, 2017 from 1:30-4:00 PM. A Masonic Memorial Service will commence at 1:00 PM followed by a R.C. Legion Br. # 300 service at 1:15 PM. Memorial donations may be made by contacting the funeral home at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.