Quick Search

Douglas Johnston

Douglas  Johnston

Born In: Spinney Hill, Saskatchewan, Canada
Born: November 5th, 1920

Passed in: Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada
Passed on: January 28th, 2012

Johnston: "Doug" Wilbert Douglas Johnston, age 91 of Swift Current, Sask. passed away with his daughter, Shari, by his side on January 28, 2012 at Swift Current Hospital. Doug is survived by his son Gary (Darlene) Johnston; his daughter Shari (Dan) Dixon; Gary's children Jodi (Tyron) Becker and their children Reece, Karsen and Macy; Chad (Janet) Johnston and their children Bailey and Jaylyn; Lori Johnston fiancé Ron Carswell and her daughter Paige; Shari's family; Jari Dixon and Scott Bodin; Corina Dixon; Denver (Jelaine) Dixon and their children Cassidy, Dax and Jerzey. He was predeceased by his loving wife Eileen in 1994, parents William and Eliza Johnston; his brothers Howard (Phyllis), Homer and Melville; Sisters Muriel Johnston, Alice (Charlie) Ross, Glenna (Lindsay) Graham and Ellen (Chester) Buell. The memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m., February 4, 2012 from First United Church with service leader Oran Anderson officiating and reading the obituary. Special music was performed by Glenna Switzer and Oran Anderson. The eulogy was presented by Shari Dixon. Tributes from the grandchildren were presented by Jody Johnston-Becker and Jari Dixon. Other tributes were read by Janet Johnston on behalf of Chad, Gary and Darlene Johnston. Corina Dixon also gave her tribute and read a commemorative poem. Honorary pallbearers were Doug's grandchildren; Jody Becker, Chad Johnston, Lori Johnston, Jari Dixon, Corina Dixon and Denver Dixon. The interment service will take place at a later date in Maymont, Sask. Doug was born on November 5, 1920 in Spinney Hill, Sk., the youngest of nine children, and as a young man he was allowed to stay on the family farm when our country was sending its youth to war. He married "Eileen" June Aileen Cassidy on July 27, 1944. Throughout the early years of their marriage Doug bought grain for the Sask. Wheat Pool. Their son Gary was born two years later and seven years after his birth their daughter Shari was born. Through the late 1950's and early 1960's, Doug traveled as a field man for the Wheat Pool. Following this he was the manager for the Co-op Bulk Petroleum Department in North Battleford and secretary manager at the Battleford Agricultural Association. Doug was recruited by the government to fill the position of Liquor Licensing Inspector while still residing in North Battleford. In 1976 the family transferred at the request of the government to Swift Current where Doug successfully enjoyed the challenge of his new district as Liquor Inspector. Following his retirement from the Government, he worked as a Pest Control Officer for five R.M.s as well as selling crop insurance for two companies. Doug spent many enjoyable hours at team ropings, where he participated to the fullest. He was a member of the South Central Roping Club and held many ropings at his own arena on the acreage at "Beverly Hills" as he fondly referred to his home. He enjoyed participating in local brandings and was very pleased when he rode his horse Monty in the Swift Current Canada Day Parade. He also pastured cattle at Wiebe's, across the highway and raised the best tasting beef you could put a fork in. Doug was an avid and very professional curler in his early years. One bonspiel he curled in, Eileen gave him a strong suggestion that he should win as there were diamond rings for prizes. Of course he was devoted to Eileen so, yes, he came back home with the diamond ring for her. Doug loved music and played the violin throughout his life. His sister Ellen played the piano and Doug played the violin, both playing by ear. He always said that when they were young they had to dance around piano in order to stay warm in the winter. Dancing was he and Eileen's passion and the Legion saw them trip the light fantastic often. If there was a dance they were there. Doug and Eileen spent very enjoyable winters in Mesa, Arizona, where once again they met and made many good friends. In Mesa they continued to dance and play cards with their new friends. Doug joined the Mesa Regals ball team and because he was in good shape he played field. Most of the players couldn't run, but he could due to his excellent physical condition so of course he was in field. He also enjoyed playing pool as a pastime. Another highlight was his participation in Smear card game tournaments from which his partner and him brought home winning prizes. Doug had a memory like an elephant and never needed a telephone book and always had a good tale to tell. He spent many enjoyable hours at coffee row with his friends at the Husky. Recently he enjoyed coffee and entertainment at the casino as well. His family sought his advice often, as it was always good. They all looked upon dad as a great man and to his family he was. Doug was devoted to his wife and family, keeping in contact with them every evening by telephone right up until his passing. He took great pride in the athletic achievements of his children and grandchildren. Doug passed his love of horses on to his family and always had a good horse in his pen. He also passed his positive attitude on to his family. His glass was always "half full" reminding his family how fortunate they all were, especially to have such good kids. His children and grandchildren were always a source of love and pride for him and Eileen as well, when she was alive. He was very compassionate toward the trials endured by others in his life and would often mention to his daughter what difficult times others were coping with and how his heart went out to them. Doug was a real "People Person" who could talk to anybody about anything. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his family and friends. In his memory, memorial donations may be made to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, 1231 8th St. E., Saskatoon, Sk. S7H 0S5. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLISHED IN

Tribute

Leave a condolence

comments powered by Disqus

Quick Search

Place an Obituary

MEMORIAL WEBSITE

Create a Memorial Website