Obituary of Gerald R. Johnston

JOHNSTON: Gerald R. “Gerry” – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerry Johnston, a resident of Blenheim, who passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus on Friday, February 4, 2011 at the age of 59. Born in Blenheim, Gerry was the son of the late Joseph and Hagar (Buller) Johnston. Loving father of Wendy Johnston-Beckett and her husband Greg Beckett of Blenheim, Tara Johnston and her husband Eric Kuchta of Erieau and Darryl Johnston of Blenheim. Will be missed by their mother Sheila Johnston (nee Malott). Proud grandfather of Teneshia Johnston, Bradyn Johnston, Jonathan Beckett and Logan Kuchta. Gerry is survived by his sister Ruth Maynard of Blenheim and his brother Ernie Johnston and his wife Carol of Windsor. Predeceased by his brother Joseph Johnston. Dearly missed by his best friend Mike Goff of Blenheim, his extended family Barb Bryden and Jarod Beecroft and their daughter Devlynn of Blenheim, Dan Lutz and Kelly Merritt of Chatham and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was a die-hard Leafs and Detroit Tigers fan and could often be found on the golf course or at the bowling lanes. He was very skilled at darts, enjoyed playing baseball and belonged to one of the first slow-pitch teams in the area. Gerry worked as a truck driver for Kent County Fertilizer for over 15 years, and at Carey Leasing Ltd. for many years. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 185 Blenheim and Br. 335 Highgate, totaling over 31 years, where he participated on the executive and on the colour guard. Gerry’s family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. with Elder Murray Malott officiating. Donations made in memory of Gerry to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or YBC Bowling would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com, McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario, 519-676-3451.