John Andrew Johnston

Jack Johnston was born in Terrace, BC to Ted and Marie Johnston (née Desjardins). He grew up on “The Ranch” with 15 brothers and sisters, and left for Victoria in 1954, where he worked for the CPR on the Princess Patricia Steamship that travelled between Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. Jack later joined the Royal Canadian Navy based at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria. He served from 1955 until 1965. After that, he worked for Canadian Industries Limited at the explosives plant on James Island off of Sidney, and later Continental Explosives/ICI Explosives in Sayward and Campbell River.

Jack met and married the love of his life, Maria, in 1962. They moved to Sidney in 1966 where together they raised their five children. In 1981, the family moved to Sayward, and a few years later to Campbell River, where they lived out their days. Maria predeceased Jack in March of 2017.

Playing the accordion and harmonica, tinkering with electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking and stained glass were just some of Jack’s hobbies. He and Maria always had a huge garden and fruit trees to provide for their family.

Jack was a gentle soul who was loved by pretty much everyone who knew him, and the feeling was mutual. His infectious smile will never be forgotten by any who knew him.

Jack had Parkinson’s disease for several years before being diagnosed in 2017. He moved into full-time care in 2017, and over the past few months his health began to decline. He died peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness, on November 29.

He is survived by his children, Ted (Crystal), Joan (Jason), Mike, Ria, and Dan; brothers Ted and Bob; sisters Chris Harrison, Agnes Parkes, Jeanne Metcalfe, Marg Piffer, and Roberta Ekman; 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many other family members.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Marie Johnston; brothers Pat, Paul, Mike, and Dave; sisters Estelle Deschner, Delphine Warner, Theresa Obzera, and Susie Green.

The family extends their thanks and appreciation to the folks at Yucalta Lodge, for looking after Dad for the past few years when he required special care.