JOHNSTON, Grant

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing on July 3, 2022 of Grant Johnston at the wonderful age of 102. Predeceased by his wife Norma (68 years wedded) in May 2020, Grant leaves his three children Lance and wife Rosalind, Laura and husband Stephen and Gail and husband Greg. He will be forever remembered by grandchildren Matthew, Graham, Jeremy, Katharine, Ellen, Alex, Emily, Annika and great granddaughter Jolene.

Grant was born in 1920 in the small farming community of Brougham, Ontario. He began a career in banking then enlisted in the RCAF in 1941 where he served as an armament instructor on many Canadian Air Force bases. After the war, Grant returned to the bank working at CIBC in Port Credit where he met Norma Varley. They married in Port Credit in 1952 and returned to the village of Brougham to build their own house and start a family. Busy life ensued with three children and much community involvement. Grant started commuting to Don Mills to work at Imperial Oil where he would work until retirement in 1984.

Upon retiring, Grant and Norma moved to Erin Ontario, where they continued to be active community members. Dad always a felt strong commitment to serve the communities in which he resided. He was involved in the United Church, Probus, Meals on Wheels and Erin Fall Fair. Retirement also gave Grant and Norma a chance to travel and they had many adventures seeing Canada and Europe. With a lovely backyard, Dad enjoyed gardening, birdwatching and hosting many family gatherings. They spent 20 happy years in Erin before relocating to Guelph to be closer to family and services An avid baseball fan, Grant played the game himself as a young man and then coached and umpired his own children’s teams. From the Toronto Blue Jays inception, Dad remained an ardent fan attending many games. A man of great character and integrity who truly loved life, family and community, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Grant’s name to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Donation cards are available at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph, 519-822-4731 Or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com