Robert J. Johnston

Passed Away on February 10, 2014

Robert J. Johnston (Bob) passed away in his home on Monday, February 10th surrounded by the love and comfort of his family who had gathered to say farewell. At age 80 Bob had lived actively and independently up until Thanksgiving Day. Bob was born at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York on February 26th, 1933. He was baptized at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church on April 9th, 1933 and received the Apostolic Rite of Laying on of Hands at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church on March 14th 1948. He was active in Boy Scouts of America and an active member of the Masonic Lodge. He was also actively involved in Shriners International. He graduated from Technical High School in June of 1950. Bob married Marnetta Gertrude Johnson at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church on September 24, 1955 and they were together until 1987 and they have five children. Bob entered the Army in Ft. Dix, New Jersey in 1956 and was honorably discharged at Ft. Hamilton, New York in 1958. During his time in the Army he served in the European Theater. He achieved the rank of E-5 Sergeant. As a young man Bob developed a lifelong passion for cars. He was in the automobile industry for 20 years which culminated in owning Lincoln Mercury car dealership in Buffalo, New York. Prompted by the Great Blizzard of 1977, he moved to Mesa, Arizona in August of 1977 where he began his second career in Manufactured Home sales where his was an active member of the Manufactured Housing Council. He was an owner of Howe’s Mobile Homes and held an Arizona Real Estate License. Bob was preceded in death by his father, James E.F. Johnston whose birthplace was Limestone New York; his mother, Elizabeth Jackson Johnston whose birthplace was England; and his brother Paul E. Johnston. Surviving children are Robert J. Johnston, Jr.; James H. Johnston; Kenneth R. Johnston; Donald P. Johnston; Patricia E. Johnston Ricker all of Mesa, Arizona; and Suzanne R. Johnston Armstrong of Houston Texas. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren. End of life care was provided by the loving staff of Promise Hospital of Mesa and Hallmark Hospice of Mesa from whom Bob received tender care that was greatly appreciated by the family. Services will be held on Thursday, February 13th at Mountain View Memorial Gardens located at 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85207. There will be a viewing at 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org.