Donald Frank JOHNSTON
June 7, 1930 – February 28, 2022
After a wonderful life filled with love, music and a career in journalism that spanned decades, Don
Johnston passed away in Oakville on February 28, 2022 in his 92nd year. He is survived by his loving
wife of over 65 years, Helen (nee Mundell).
Don was predeceased by his beloved parents, Lockhart and Lillian Johnston (nee Falkiner) and sister
Mimi Gillies (late Don Gillies) as well as his son, David, whom he adored. Don is also survived by his
brother Lockhart (late Anne). He will be missed by his large and caring extended family including nieces
Maureen Gillies, Donna Gillies Marson (Kevin) and Wendy Johnston (Richard) as well as nephews
Stephen Gillies (Deanne), John Gillies, Michael Johnston and Daniel Johnston (Ann). Don will also be
lovingly remembered by Helen’s nieces Mary (Rich), Barb (Terry) and Jane as well as many great-nieces,
great-nephews and their children.
Don was born in Walkerville, Ontario (now part of Windsor) but grew up in Hamilton. Summer jobs as a
copy boy at the Hamilton Spectator fuelled Don’s desire to be a news reporter, which he pursued as a
bright and ambitious teen. The Spec hired Don full-time after he graduated from Westdale Collegiate and
by age 19, he had progressed from newsroom copy boy to cub reporter. Don was soon covering police
matters, the courts and City Hall.
Over the next 35+ years, Don built an impressive and fulfilling career in journalism. Early in his career,
radio station CHML persuaded him to leave the newspaper and become their City Hall Reporter. Don
soon became the News Director at CHML, where his department won a number of awards for their skilled
reporting. Don was one of the founders of the Radio & Television News Directors of Canada (now
RTNDA) in 1962 and a former VP (‘69) and President of the organization (‘71).
In 1972, CFRB Toronto was the most listened to radio station in Canada. When they needed to fill the
role of News Director, they chose Don. He served there for 15 years until his retirement. In 1984, Don cofounded the Gordon Sinclair Foundation in order to support young journalists.
Outside of work, Don’s life revolved around Helen, their families and their many friends. Helen was the
light of Don’s life and he doted on her. In return, she was a loving and dedicated partner. Don and Helen
loved to travel and saw many parts of the world together. Later, they would join extended family on
vacations to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico and other warm destinations. They spent every
holiday with family and enjoyed an active social life. Don also loved the cottage on Muldrew Lake in
Muskoka, where he and Helen spent many happy summers. His siblings, Mimi and Lock, had cottages on
the same stretch of lake, and the families often got together for a meal, a drink or a swim.
Don was an exceptional pianist who often treated friends and family to impromptu jazz performances. He
enjoyed listening to jazz and classical music, reading good books, writing, playing cards, keeping up with
the news, swimming and watching Jeopardy with Helen. His loved ones feel fortunate to have known
such a smart, kind and accomplished man.
A celebration of life for Don Johnston will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home in Burlington (Guelph Line location) on March 12th at 1pm. Visitation with the family will begin at 12pm.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Frank Johnston Monday February 28th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario