Obituary of Russell Johnston

JOHNSTON: Russell Wallace. A resident of Ridgetown, Russell Johnston passed away suddenly on Friday, December 28, 2012 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus at the age of 73. Born in Lindsay, son of the late Morley and Margaret (Stinson) Johnston. Beloved husband of Dianne (Wolfe) Johnston. Dear father of Sherry Irwin and her husband Jeff of London, and Dwayne Johnston and his wife Tracy of Chatham. Grandfather of Chelsea Irwin, Matthew and Ethan Johnston. Brother of Eleanor Parliament (late husband Eric) of Beaverton, Hildred Southern (late husband Wes) of Greenbank, and Lorne Johnston (Yvonne) of R.R.#2 Oakwood. Brother-in-law of Max Wolfe (Zenda) of St. Thomas, the late Neil Wolfe (Pat Scott of London). Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Russell retired from Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology in 1995 after serving 33 years as a soil management specialist and agricultural chemist. During his career, Russell conducted a 6-year study that showed that tomato yields could be increased from 15-40% depending on limiting soil conditions. He was a member of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society, and was a Past-President and Director of the Ridgetown Senior's Centre. Russell also assisted with the Outreach Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church, Chatham. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Michael Maroney officiating. Cremation to follow. Donations to First Presbyterian Church Outreach Breakfast Program, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society, or Ridgetown and Area Adult Activity Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141.