RUSSELL VERNON JOHNSTONE

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RUSSELL VERNON JOHNSTONE May 13, 1919 - August 26, 2012 With heavy hearts and great sadness, we lovingly remember our dearest Russ, who passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital. We lost a very special person who went to be with his heavenly Father. Russ was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved to make people around him laugh. We will miss him dearly. Our dear Russell Vernon Johnstone was born May 13, 1919 at his home on Ingersoll Avenue in Winnipeg's West End to parents Gudrun and Jack Johnstone. Russell's childhood was filled with tales of mischief and adventures he shared with his brothers and friends. Russell's warm heart and cheeky grin led him through all chapters of his life, enchanting and entertaining everyone he met. In those early days we had no radio, no electricity, only kerosene lamps and a wood-burning stove. Our greatest form of entertainment came from an Orthophonic phonograph. We had a range of records from classical to music of the time. When we played it at night, it wasn't unusual for people to line up against the front fence, listening to our music. Other early memories included his many adventures with brother Astor. From teasing their younger siblings, Louise and Victor, to pranks at school to surviving Model T crashes and broken arms, Russell and Astor were the very best of friends growing up. Russell grew up in Winnipeg and lived at a number of different addresses over the years including Winnipeg Beach. Russell's father John operated a ten-pin bowling alley and it was here that he and his brother Astor would set pins and eventually become very proficient at ten-pin bowling. In 1961, Russell was the ten-pin bowling champion of Winnipeg and in the 1990s was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame for Bowling. Russell was also an avid golfer and spent years teaching his grandson Jeff how to play as well as many rounds with his son Craig. He even went on to be a course Marshall at Larter's Golf Course in St. Andrews. Russell provided his service for the R.C.A.F. from 1941 to 1945 as Ground Crew, and proudly continued his support of #212 Legion. He learned to be a wordsmith at an early age when he took interest and observed his Dad write for the weekly bowling column, It Strikes Me , for the Winnipeg Tribune. Russell worked as a salesman with reputable companies over the years, from Walter Woods Ltd., Inland Sports, John Martens, and later on Beaton Industries and Duraseal Windows. In 1993 Russell survived a triple-bypass surgery after a heart attack. Surrounded by his family, it was thought he would not survive. After lots of love and prayers, Russell recovered and went on to live for almost two more decades. Rascal captivated every family gathering with extraordinary wit and sense of humour. Known to his large extended family as Grandpa the Great, or as a Honey (Funny) Guy, Russell loved being a grandpa. He tickled and teased many a child with The Claw and made us giggle with that well-known handshake none of us will ever forget. Known for his stealth on the card table as well, Russell was keen with numbers and knew every card game there was to play, spending many hours with family and dear friends around a table, keeping score and likely winning. Russell had three siblings - Astor (deceased) (Patty), Louise (Clayton Simpkins - deceased) and Victor (Lillian), plus many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Marjorie in 1966 and his brother Astor in 2010. Russell is survived by his wonderful wife of 44 years, Audrey Johnstone. He leaves behind his three sons Gary (Dorothy), Craig (Jeanne d'Arc) and Brent (Jan) Johnstone; his two stepsons Greg (Lezlie) and Jim (Gail) Michie, and also Carol Michie; his grandchildren: Dana (David) Hillis, Lisa Johnstone, Tara (Cody Harrison) Johnstone, Mindy (Dave Garrow) Johnstone, Taylor Johnstone, Brenlee Johnstone, Krista (Rick) Baverstock, Felicia Michie, Jeff Michie, Taryn (Justin) Friesen, Jamie (Randy) Michie-Bowles and his great-grandchildren: Shaelan Hillis, Lexi and Hunter Audette, Charly Garrow, Rowan, Oliver and Seth Harrison, Nate and Macy Baverstock. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church on Kimberly Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to the Heart Stroke Association. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Sep 8, 2012

RUSSELL VERNON JOHNSTONE Peacefully, on Sunday, August 26, 2012, Russell Vernon Johnstone passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital, beloved husband of Audrey Johnstone. Longer obituary to follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Aug 29, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2012