Paul Johnston

Paul enjoyed living on the water in Bayou Vista. There he spent time kayaking and boating. He would kayak for miles making it almost to Galveston on some trips. He enjoyed watching nature during these trips, especially the birds. One day in his curiosity to see the birds he got too close to a nesting site and was attacked by a flock. Thankfully he was able to right his kayak and paddle away in the end. When we purchased our first boat it was Paul who took to boating naturally. He first captained the boat when we launched it at Louie’s and then alternated between first mate and captain with his dad.

He loved the beach and spending Sundays in Galveston with his Texas family. He had a beloved dog Mogley. They were inseparable. While Mogley loved the beach he was afraid of the waves. On one beach day Paul took his 105 pound Goldendoodle and helped him overcome his fear of the water and taught Mogley how to swim.

An avid reader and learner his knowledge spanned so many subjects from stock investments, to history, to music. He loved playing chess enjoying these competitive battles to increase his skills.

Paul was a huge Texans fan. He would never miss a game. When it wasn’t football season, his Sundays were spent playing games. His favorites were Skip Bo, Monopoly Deal, Sequence and Tiki Toss. His family would agonize waiting for him to take his next turn as he strategically thought about each move regardless of the game. In the end his patience paid off as he rarely lost.

Paul enjoyed family cooking contests. Some of his best creations included bacon nachos, chicken cupcakes, and buffalo chicken bites. He enjoyed Sunday afternoon grill days and he became an expert managing the charcoal lighting. His goal was always a one match light.

His family will miss this incredibly brilliant, funny, sweet, caring man.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandfathers Jerry Johnston and George Zurko and grandmother Helen Yanek.

He is survived by his father John Johnston and step-mother Terry; mother Monica Zurko and husband Jim; grandmother Mary Johnson; sister Louelle Denor; brother Daniel Johnston; step-brothers Jimmy Schearer and Randy Counsman; step-sister Ariana Counsman; and aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home 21620 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas 77598. A Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you just keep Paul in your memories.