JOHNSTONE, Stuart Edward – age 87, Waterville, Kings Co., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Waterville, on April 10, 1928, he was a son of the late Ralph E. and Minnie L. (Wentzell) Johnstone. Stuart was a life-long resident of Waterville, receiving his education at the Waterville School, leaving at an early age to help and support the family. The three passions in life that he kept close to his heart were family, friends and service to the community. Stuart worked as a Painting Contractor all of his life in the Annapolis Valley and beyond. He was a veteran member of the Waterville & District Volunteer Fire Department and in his 65 years of service he held several positions including Deputy Chief, President, Chairman of the Building Committee for the present base station and sang in the firefighters choir. Stuart was completing the last year of his term as the Waterville Commissioner for the Village of Cornwallis Square, having served for over 50 years. He enjoyed the time being coach of the Berwick Graves Old-timers Hockey Club. Stuart was a faithful member and Honourary Deacon of the Waterville Baptist Church, serving on several of the committees of the church and would lead worship in the absence of a pastor. He had a passion for news and in years past reported local fires on the radio, and had written several columns in the Berwick Register. Stuart first belonged to Kentville Lodge No. 58, but later affiliated and was a member of Valley Lodge No. 90, A.F. & A.M., Berwick, holding offices as Chaplain and Steward and for a time was part of the third degree drama team. He was a member of Laurel Chapter No. 67, Order of the Eastern Star, Berwick. Stuart was fortunate enough to enjoy his retirement with time spent at the coffee shop, travel and serving as a Funeral Director’s Assistant. He was a founding member and was given Lifetime Honorary Membership in Kings County Citizens Patrol with over 5000 volunteer hours, serving on patrol as well in local R.C.M.P. Detachments. Stuart had been inducted as a builder in the Berwick Sports Hall of fame. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. Stuart is survived by his loving and caring wife of 62 years, Muriel P. (Barkhouse) Johnstone; children, Wayne (Donna) Johnstone, Waterville; Elaine (the late Douglas) Mosher, Aylesford; Bryce (Elaine) Johnstone, Waterville; grandchildren, Kristen and Adrian; sister, Marjorie (the late George) Mott, Kentville; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, William “Bill” Johnstone. Visitation took place Sunday, May 24 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., with a Masonic Tribute at 6:30 p.m., both in the Waterville Baptist Church, 1243 Mill St., Waterville, from where the funeral service took place at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 25. Pastor Christina Bigelow officiating, with burial in the Berwick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Waterville & District Volunteer Fire Department, Waterville Baptist Church or to the I.W.K. Health Centre Foundation, Halifax. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1 (855) 825-3448. On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com