John “Douglas”‘s Obituary
Johnston, John Douglas
Age 74 of Lower Ohio, Shelburne County passed away on Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 at home.
He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Whitlock Johnston and Louise Faye Johnston (Mackley). Doug is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marilyn Ann Ruth; son Michael David (Jennifer Tucker) and grandson William Donald Johnston of Truro; daughter Jennifer Louise (Dan Giles) and grandson Colton William Giles of Lake Echo; sister, Mary Louise Mills (Frank) of Hammonds Plains, nieces Sarah Sampson (Jacqueline) of Eureka and Jessica Mills and her daughter Lillian of Ottawa. Doug was born on August 6, 1945 in Vancouver B.C. but grew up in Sydney, Cape Breton. Asthma necessitated the need for the move from Vancouver to Sydney. He attended Coxheath Elementary and Riverview Rural High.
Doug‘s chosen career of Air Defense Technician was with the Air Force Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces retiring in 1987. After retirement he was employed in a number of ways including operating his own business, Johnston’s Custom Framing. He enjoyed volunteering in his community of Lower Ohio at the community hall, at the Lower Ohio Union Church (United Church of Canada), and Trinity United in Shelburne serving on a number of committees. At the Church in Lower Ohio he was affectionately known as the “Candy Man” offering peppermints to the congregation as a way of welcoming them each Sunday. He was a kind, patient, and gentle man always with an optimistic outlook on life. He operated a Stamp Club for the students at Hillcrest Academy and was a leader with the Roseway River 4-H Club. Collecting stamps was a passion he got from his father and enjoyed sharing with individuals of any age and level of collecting. He enjoyed the sport of archery and the family shot with Teemisson Archers for several years. He was an avid golfer from an early age. In retirement he played 18 holes every morning with friends Jack MacKenney and Frank Scott at River Hills Golf and Country Club in Clyde River. When travelling away on vacation there was always a round of golf to be played. He and his wife enjoyed travelling. The great times had in Newfoundland and PEI, a trip across Canada in their motor home, riding the Rocky Mountaineer, an Alaskan Cruise, and many more adventures will always be remembered with many smiles. Special thanks to the VON and to Emergency Services, the RCMP and the Shelburne Fire Department First Responders for their prompt and efficient services. He will be missed by a special friend Tucker, “the neighbor’s cat. Doug loved to introduce Tucker to visitors saying, “He is the best cat I never owned”. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Huskilson’s Funeral Home in Shelburne on Tuesday Nov. 26th 7 – 9pm. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday Nov. 27th at 1pm at the Lower Ohio Union Church with Rev. Lesley Hamilton officiating. Interment in the Urn Garden at the Lower Ohio Community Cemetery. Immediately following the service, all are invited to attend a reception at the Lower Ohio Community Hall to visit with family and friends to celebrate Doug’s life.
Family Flower’s only. Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to the Lower Ohio Union Church or the charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.huskilson.net/guestbook
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Douglas Johnston August 06 1945 November 10 2019..
H.M.Huskilson funeral homes and crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Shelburne, Province: Nova Scotia