Jun 20, 1929 - Feb 20, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Johnstone announce his passing at the Campbell River Hospital on Feb 20th, surrounded by family.
Dad was predeceased by his parents James and Catherine, his siblings David and May, his son Cary, and his daughter-in-law Marlene.
Dad is survived by his wife of 64 years, Violet, his son Kirk (Mary- Marguerite) Johnstone, and granddaughters Leigh (Danny) Fortuna and Heather (Reto) Camenzind, as well as great-grandchildren Kye, Sierra, and Kayden.
He is also survived by his son Mark (Anne) Johnstone and grandchildren Shawn (Nia) Hall, Alicia Johnstone, Cody (Anick) Johnstone, and Sam Johnstone, as well
as great-grandchildren Ella, Cora, Indiana, Cairo, and Jordon.
Dad is also survived by his sisters Jean Dodimead and Lillian Neil, and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as the children and grandchildren of his brother David.
Dad was very proud of the work he did with BC Power Commission and then BC Hydro, spending 37 1/2 years with the electrical utility. Dad started out as an office clerk, apprenticed as a lineman, and progressed rapidly into a position as District Manager. His work moved his young family around the province from Nanaimo, Duncan, Bella Coola, Nakusp, Smithers, and finally to Campbell River. The entire family has fond memories of living for several years at the John Hart Townsite just outside of Campbell River where we were joined for several years by nephews Wayne (Bernice) Johnstone and Glen (Val) Johnstone.
Dad often spoke of the wonderful life he had growing up and getting into mischief in Nanaimo. He was an avid outdoorsman with a wealth of hunting and fishing stories. When we were young, vacations usually involved camping and fishing trips around whatever area of the province we lived in at the time, or returning to his roots and family in Nanaimo. Dad was also an active member of the community, participating in such groups as the Kinsmen and Scouts, and filling the role of Santa Claus for different groups when needed.
After retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed about 15 years of living life on the beach and enjoying a truly wonderful group of neighbours at Denman Island, before eroding health prompted them to settle back in Campbell River. Their children and grandchildren all have fond memories of summer vacations and special occasions on the waterfront at Denman Island.
Dad was very generous with his time, always eager to be of help, and even more generous with his stories, of which there seemed to be a never ending supply.
The family would like to thank Dr. Beerman in Nanaimo who seemed to make Dad smile through years of check-ups and treatment. We would also like to thank Dr. Pete Friderichs, Dr. Larry Ness, Dr. Tanya Dawes, and the nursing staff on the 3rd floor of the Campbell River Hospital who provided such great and compassionate care to our father.
Dad requested that there be no service. In lieu of flowers donations could be made to the Salvation Army.
He was loved by many and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.