Tribute

With sadness we say goodbye to Dave who passed away peacefully with his wife Margo by his side.

Dave was born in Port Arthur, Ontario to Fred and May Johnston, and he is survived by his wife Margo and daughter Kim (Len).

For 47 years, Dave called St. Albert, AB home.  For 31 of those years, he operated Johnston’s Meats.  In 2006 he and his wife Margo moved to Mill Bay to establish their retirement home and to enjoy opportunities for new friendships and interests of which there were many.

We all love a good story and Dave had an amazing ability not only to bring a good story to life, but to keep his friends entertained with his exploits and adventures, many of which related to his love of fishing and the outdoors in general.  It took no effort at all for Dave to keep his audience on the edge of their chairs waiting for the fish to bite.

There were many sources for Dave’s stories gleaned from a year spent in Australia as well as time in Tanzania and on Safari in the Serengeti.  There were also visits to Japan and China….all great sources to enhance his talents as a storyteller.

There is good evidence of another of Dave’s passions on the walls of the Johnston home.  Photography and Dave’s eye for beauty in horses and nature and just generally the world around him combined with his skill with the camera, are beautifully expressed in these many photographs.

In recent years Dave developed a love and skill with Bonsai plants and ocean fishing.  Of course playing pool with friends at the pool hall took up some of his time too.  Dave loved a challenge and he loved life.

Dave was an amazing man and all who knew him have had their lives enriched. We thank him for his sincere friendship and the memories and love he has given us.

Special thanks to Dr. Masuda, Dr. O’Malley, and Dr. Grymaloski and the support shown by wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, in Dave’s memory, donations can be made to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation #101-5822 Garden St. Duncan BC, V9L3V9, or the Cowichan Valley Hospice 3122 Gibbons Road, Duncan BC, V9L1G2.