Homer Johnston

Homer Johnston passed away peacefully at the Colonel Belcher Care Center on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the age of 91. Homer was predeceased by his loving wife of fifty years Doris, his daughter Jenne Johnston and his sister Patricia Johnston. Homer is lovingly remembered by his son James Johnston (Michael Hedden) of Vancouver, daughters, Marian Johnston-Harvie (Eric Harvie) of Banff, Caroline Johnston of Calgary; sister Margaret Hancock of Edmonton; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Liah and Erin, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Homer was born in Edmonton, AB and raised in Peace River, AB. He received a B.Sc.-Geology degree from the University of Alberta (U of A) in 1942. Upon Graduating from U of A, Homer enlisted and became a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Artillery serving from 1942-46 in England, France, the Netherlands and Germany. After leaving the army, Homer completed a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Kansas as well as studying economics at the University of British Columbia. At this time, Homer began a forty year career as an Exploration Geologist for Union Oil Company of California and as a geological consultant. His field work took him throughout Canada (Alberta, North Eastern British Columbia, Arctic Islands, Beaufort Sea, Ellesmere Island, Yukon, the NWT, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Queen Charlotte Islands). Back in his office, Homer was always searching for the next big discovery amid stacks of maps and geological well logs. A highlight of his career was the discovery of the Obed-Marsh Coal mine outside the town of Hinton, AB. As a geological consultant for Lavalin, Homer was fortunate enough to work in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In his spare time Homer had a passion for world travel, reading (especially newspapers) and testing his skills in the stock market. With Doris by his side they travelled the world, no continent and very few countries were left unexplored. Their taste for adventure led them to the high Arctic, the wilds of Russia, the mysteries of Myanmar and the source of the Amazon. Homer will be remembered for his overwhelming generosity, integrity and intelligence. A man of great character and authenticity, he will truly be missed. A celebration of Homer’s life will be held at FOSTERS GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W. Calgary on Monday, March 1, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Many thanks to the staff at the Colonel Belcher for their compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.dignitymemorial.com.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial