Stephen Andrew Johnston

Stephen Andrew Johnston, 68, of Cary, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2011. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brief but intense battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born June 11, 1943, in Syracuse, NY to Margaret and Marvin Johnston during his father’s military service. He lived most of his life in the Triangle, Fayetteville, and Charlotte, and retained lifelong friendships in all of those areas. He was happily married for 44 years, and a devoted father to his four children. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his son Mark. He is survived by his wife Pat, son Eric, daughter Wendy and grandson Devon, all of Cary, his daughter Amy Mooney, son in law Chuck, and grandson Bryant of Fuquay-Varina, his sister Jane Stallings and brother in law Willie of New Bern, aunt Helen Ross McNeeley of Cary, and numerous extended family members.

Steve was a proud graduate of NCSU, and earned a BS in Nuclear Engineering and PhD in Economics. Along with a rigorous academic load, he was involved in leadership through the student union and a variety of organizations on campus. He and Pat continued to lead as residence counselors throughout his graduate studies, and the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the college environment was something he fostered throughout his life. He continued to further his educational goals as an Energy Economist with RTI, professor of Economics at NCSU, UNC-CH, Duke, and NCA&T, and proponent of alternative energy as a member of a variety of municipal and state boards.

Involved in Presbyterian Leadership since his youth in Fayetteville and Charlotte, Steve continued to be an active member of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, then Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church in Cary in a variety of roles throughout his adult life. He combined his enthusiasm for youth and education through active involvement with Presbyterian Campus Ministries at NCSU.

Steve was proud of his Scottish heritage and was an enthusiastic supporter of all things Scottish. His numerous trips to Scotland encouraged a wealth of knowledge that he passed on to others through informal social gatherings, involvement in Clan Johnston in America (of which he was a charter member and much loved president), the Scottish Cultural Organization of the Triangle (SCOT), and the Encore Program at NCSU. His quick wit, easy manner, and encyclopedic knowledge made his contributions a highlight of many gatherings. Steve also encouraged the young and young at heart to pursue Scottish arts, especially dance. He was a valued member of the Scottish Dance community and a genuine friend to every dancer and family he met.

Steve was devoted to his family, including those who lived under his roof and extended family as well. Although thorough and deliberate in all areas of his life, he was quick to make decisions when needed for any family member or friend. His generosity, love, support, humor, and open mind positively impacted every person he met.

Funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 pm Sunday, September 25, at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, 200 High Meadow Drive, Cary. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Scottish Heritage USA, and Presbyterian Campus Ministries at NCSU. For further information, please visit www.SCOT.us, or Brown Wynne Funeral Home at www.brownwynnecary.com.