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It is with heavy hearts that we said our last goodbyes to Douglas Robert Johnston, as he passed into
the light at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington, on October 18, 2024, after a short illness, at the age of
93.
Deeply loved by his wife of sixty-nine years, Gwendolyn (nee Christie), his children, Kathryn, Cynthia
and Andrew (Catherine) and grandchildren, Sarah (Shawn), Carly (Brenden), Liam and Gabriel;
sister, Lauretta Johnston (Charlie – both pre-deceased), nieces Judy Parker (nee Johnston) and
family, Jill Johnston (pre-deceased) and family; sister-In-law Lois Ranft (nee Christie, Edward, pre-
deceased), nephew Stewart Ranft (Laura) and family and niece, Lyn Hunt (nee Ranft) and family.
A native of Port Carling, Muskoka, Ontario, as a young man he made his way to Toronto, where he
studied auto mechanics at the former Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. After receiving his mechanics
license and working in a variety of garages, he landed a job in the warranty department of the Ford
Motor Company. He said he took that job because he had started dating ‘Gwenie’ and needed a job
where his hands were not always black with grease. Doug found his passion working with people
and enjoyed a very long career with Ford, working his way up the ranks to the head office in Oakville
and retiring as the Light Truck Manager for Canada.
Doug had an adventurous spirit and in 1965, took a promotion with Ford that landed him in
Edmonton, Alberta with a young family. Whether it was the Mukluk Mardi Gras, learning to ski in the
Rocky Mountains, scouting out the Columbia Ice Fields, hunting mallards from a farmer’s field, deep
sea fishing off the British Columbia coast or tent-trailering through the Okanagan, Doug delighted in
exploring it all and brought his family along for the ride!
As a young lad he enjoyed playing hockey and learned about golf through his work as a caddy at the
Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club (MLG&CC). Later in life he took up golf seriously and was a
“regular” at the Dave Ellis Pro-Am Tournament, played at the MLG&CC, winning awards and raising
funds for the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation. During his retirement years, Doug and
Gwen spent many winters in Florida, playing golf and socializing with many friends. He also took his
talent for woodworking from hobby to business, building and selling furniture and clocks in local craft
shows, some as far away as Gravenhurst.
He was proud of his heritage and came from a long line of strong Irish men who were pioneers and
entrepreneurs. His great grandfather, Benjamin Hardcastle Johnston, was the first postmaster in Port
Carling, designed the lock system between Lakes Muskoka and Rosseau and as such, was given the
honour of naming the village after his friend, Sir John Carling of London, Ontario. His uncle, William
Johnston, was the owner of Johnston Boatworks in Port Carling and along with his great uncle
William Joseph Johnston invented the disappearing propeller boat – a mechanical marvel in its time
and a collector’s item now. Another uncle, Alfred Johnston, took over ownership of the original
Johnston homestead and operated it as a resort lodge, now known as, Shamrock Lodge, in Port
Carling.
Doug loved to tell stories and always had a story to tell! Author and Muskoka historian, Andrew Hind,
often consulted Doug for information and story ideas, publishing some of Doug’s recollections as
articles in Muskoka Life Magazine and sundry Muskoka newspapers. Whether he was entertaining
his grandchildren or regaling an audience with some of his many experiences, he genuinely loved to
share his stories. He had a great sense of humour and intelligent wit, which was present until the very
end.
Doug adored his wife, Gwen, whom he loved with all his heart and was married to for 69 years. He
delighted in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, whom he was very proud. He
doted on his grandchildren and always loved spending time with them, no matter what age or stage
they were at.
The family is especially thankful to the many members of the care team at Joseph Brant Hospital,
who demonstrated their professionalism and respect in the care of our loved one and his family. A
special “thank you” to Doctors Chopra, Robinson and all the nursing staff on 7S-100, 5S-200 and
Palliative Care.
Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 12-1 p.m., with Funeral Service to follow in the Chapel on at 1 p.m. A Livestream Link will be provided below. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
Click Here for Livestream Link
Friday October 18th 2024
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
death notice Douglas Robert Johnston Friday October 18th 2024
obituaries notice Douglas Robert Johnston Friday October 18th 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Robert Johnston Friday October 18th 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
