Obituary of Douglas Johnston

Johnston, L. Douglas (Doug)

L. Douglas Johnston passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens surrounded by family on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in his 92nd year, after a valiant struggle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in Chatham, Doug was the son of the late Marguerite Labombarbe & Archie Johnston. 

Beloved husband of Phyllis (nee Parker) for almost 65 years. 

Survived by loving children, Linda (Arley) Haskell, Graham (Christine) Johnston, Mark (Susan) Johnston. 

He was a proud papa to Amanda (Healy) Thompson, Justin Johnston, Kevin Johnston, Tyler Johnston, Lexi (Lucas) DeJonge, Rebecca (Joe) Haskell-Thomas, Christina Haskell (Kyle). 

Great-grandpa to Audra, Sloan & Slade DeJonge, Forest Haskell-Thomas, Ellis & Auggie Thompson.

Survived by his brother & sister-in-law, Joan & David Johnston. Predeceased by his brother & sister-in-law, Jacob & Margaret Johnston, sister & brother-in-law, Josephine & Arthur LaForge. 

He is survived by his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Mary & John Cooper. 

He was a proud & popular uncle to several nieces & nephews. 

He is predeceased by Phyllis' parents, Iola (nee Graham) & Charles Parker.

He is also predeceased by his step-father-in-law, Howard Henderson, brother-in-law Jack Parker. 

Doug graduated from CVS, aspiring to have a career in woodworking. His first employment was at Daymond Company. A few years later, he followed in the footsteps of his father & grandfather and graduated from Detroit Barber College. He barbered for 13 years with Tom Ogle. He valued the friendship of many men he met there and children who were introduced to their first haircut. 

In 1962, he changed gears and obtained employment at Eaton Yale as Service Operator. He viewed his work career as the best possible way to provide for his family. The most heartwarming for him were the 15 years after retirement during which he volunteered as Sacristan at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Retiring at age 80 due to declining health. 

Doug valued the company of many special friends throughout his years especially on vacations & New Years Eve. 

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 1412, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish & St. Agnes Catholic Church. 

He loved all sports but especially boxing, bowling, and baseball. 

He would want us to remember him by giving children a wagon ride along the block, walking his dog, or someone else's dog he was babysitting. Or by doing a good deed for a neighbour or friend.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at Eden Villa and Riverview Gardens 2nd Floor West. 

Friends to be received on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 11:00 am until the Funeral Liturgy at 1:00 pm. Father Frank Leslie as officiant. Cremation has taken place with Interment at a later date. 

FUNERAL LITURGY LIVESTREAM

In memory of Doug donations may be made to the Parkinson's Society, the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent or to a charity of your choice. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street,
Chatham
519 351 2040