Dad was born in Yakima, WA on Feb. 19, 1937 to William Orvile and Alice Johnston. Dad graduated from Yakima High in 1956. After high school, Dad joined the Navy and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dad married Mom, his high school sweetheart, while stationed there.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dad & Mom moved back to Yakima. He went to work for Howatt Archery. This started his interest in archery. Dad helped form the Mt. Cleman’s Archers. He then went to work for Orchard Rite Wind Machines, retiring in 2006.
Dad enjoyed camping and snowmobiling and going to Packwood with family.
Dad & Mom were life-long members of the Yakima Valley Kennel Club. Dad showed Old English Dogs. Dad & Mom went to the OES Special in Chicago, IL.
After Dad retired, he started growing dahlias, having over 200 plants.
Dad is survived by his sons Russell (fiancée Jane) and Rodney; daughter Christi (Rick) Hall; four grandchildren Andrew (Jamie) and John (fiancée Becca) Johnston, Megan and Randy Hall; great grandchildren Alex and Maddy, Bradley and River; sister Barbara (Lee) Johns; nieces and nephews; and his cats Gibbs and Proby. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Darline (Baker) Johnston.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Rainier Memorial Center with a Graveside Service to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local Humane Society or to the COPD Research Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
