Obituary of Fr. Sam Johnston
JOHNSTON: Fr. Martin (Sam) Augustine -
A resident of Ridgetown, Fr. Sam Johnston passed away at Four Counties Health Services, Newbury on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the age of 94.
Born in Ridgetown, Fr. Sam was the son of the late Francis and Veronica (Martin) Johnston.
Survived by sisters-in-law Una Johnston and Ann Johnston.
Predeceased by his siblings Catherine Johnston, Dave Johnston, Bill Johnston, Marge Sheeler, Betty Bassett, Theresa Johnston, Colleen Smolders, Robert Johnston and Robert Martin.
Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Fr. Sam was passionate about his mission work, particularly in Colombia and Uganda and loved accompanying the many pilgrimages to Medjugorje. Ordained in 1962, Fr. Sam faithfully served the church for 60 years.
Fr. Sam was the Spiritual Director and proud 4th degree Knight of Columbus and was actively involved with the Cursillo for many years. He was known for his "Joy, joy, joy" and always told everyone to "Praise the Lord, anyhow!"
Fr. Sam loved everybody and everybody loved him. He will be greatly missed.
Fr. Sam will be lying in state at St. Michael's Church, 26 George Street, Ridgetown on Monday, March 28, 2022 from 2:00 - 8:00pm.
Visitation will be held at St. Joseph's Parish, 180 Wellington Ave, Chatham on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 10:00am until the Funeral Mass at 11:00am. The Mass will be live-streamed on the Funeral Home website. Interment to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Ridgetown.
Donations made in memory of Fr. Sam to OMACAN.com would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141
Grief Support
The death of someone we care about can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. These articles are meant to describe different types of grief; their intent is to help you understand your own, or to help you empathize with another person's grief.
LEARN MORE >
Our Locations
McKinlay Funeral Homes is pleased to offer services from locations in Ridgetown, Blenheim, and Chatham. We have a wide range of services available in these communities. Please click on the link below for more information about these facilities.
LEARN MORE >
Send Flowers
Our local florists are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements, and are backed by their professionalism and prompt service. Allow us to take care of your expression of sympathy by connecting with our local florists through our website.
LEARN MORE >
Let Us Help You
Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that we have to offer. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at anytime, we are available by phone or e-mail, or drop by the office in person. We are always here to help.
Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
Blenheim: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-41
Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
Click HERE for the Bereavement Authority of Ontario's Consumer Information Guide.