Edward Johnston died at his home in Kemptville, Ont., on April 17, 2011, after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (Mamie) Johnston; six children and their spouses and nine grandchildren, Mary (Albert Dufresne), Stittsville, Ont., Michael (Katherine and sons Ormond and Brandon), Sydney, N.S., Karen (Rob Filipkowski and son Ben), Burns Lake, B.C., Bernadette (Tom Edwards and children Connor and Alyson), Carleton Place, Ont., Ormond (Linda and children Hannah and Michael), Oxford Mills, Ont., Katherine (Ken Storen and children Kate and Devin), Barrhaven, Ont.
Edward was born in Sydney, N.S., in April 1924.
He served in the Canadian Army, Grenadier Guards, in the Second World War.
On his discharge in 1946, he returned to Sydney where he went to work with Dosco steel plant. Active in his union, Local 1064 of the United Steelworkers of America, he served on education committees and as an executive officer. He was president of the Cape Breton Labour Council for five terms and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour for six consecutive terms. In 1964, he joined Canadian Labour Congress, as representative, in its Sydney office. In 1970, he moved to Moncton as Atlantic regional director of organization and in 1975 he was appointed national director of organization for the CLC in Ottawa. He retired in 1988.
During his years in Sydney, Edward was actively engaged in service though civic organizations, educational ventures and in development of social and community programs. He was elected alderman for seven terms and was an officer of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. Ed was frequently appointed as an adviser to the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland governments on matters related to labour and municipal government issues.
Edward was a founding member and co-chairman of the Nova Scotia Joint Labour-Management Study Committee associated with Dalhousie University’s Institute of Public Affairs.
For his contribution to civic life and leadership in organized labour, he holds honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Dalhousie University and St. Francis Xavier University.
In retirement he remained active in industrial relations as well as social and political activities. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Kemptville.
Visitation at Grant Brown Funeral Home Rolston Chapel, 805 Prescott St., Kemptville, on Wednesday, April 20 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral and interment will be held at a later date in Sydney, N.S.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Kemptville District Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.
For condolences and on-line guest book please visit www.grantbrownfuneralhome.com.

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