JOHNSTON, Ronald James

June 7, 1936 - April 6, 2020 It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald James Johnston announces his passing on April 6, 2020, in Chilliwack BC at the age of 83 years. Ron was born on June 6, 1936 in Vancouver, BC. Dad attended Sir Stanford Flemming Elementary and John Oliver High School. Dad was accepted into the Mechanics Program at BCIT and after a year of studies he moved to Whitehorse, in the Yukon where he started and completed his five-year apprenticeship. Dad started his mechanic career at Mandors Garage and later began working for BC Hydro in 1970 as a heavy-duty mechanic and later as a supervisor, field foreman and upper management when he retired in 1998. Dad met his future wife Catherine (Cathy) Gillies on a blind-date and nine months later married on May 25, 1963. Together they welcomed 4 children, built the family home in Richmond BC where they remained until they became empty-nesters. In 1992 they moved to Port Coquitlam and 2 years after Cathy’s passing in 1998, dad moved to Abbottsford where he remained until his passing.

Ron will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Tracy Musgrove and Kim Machnyk, his 4 grandchildren, Catherine (Katie) and Colton Musgrove and Emily and Ryley Machnyk, his sister and brother-in-law Joan and Vern Donaldson, his life-long friend Ray (Collie) Crawford, his partner Helen Waterhouse and many nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.

Ron was predeceased by his loving wife Cathy Johnston (Gillies), his only son David William Johnston, his youngest daughter Marie Catherine Johnston, parents William (Bill) and Alma Johnston, only brother David Johnston, parents-in-law Robert and Catherine Gillies and his beloved companion Pepper.

As per Dad’s wish there will be no funeral services. There will be an intimate immediate family gathering to spread dad’s ashes near his children’s gravesites at a later date.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Ronald to The Children’s Hospital or the Children’s Make a Wish Foundation. Please visit www.wiebeandjeskefh.com