Robert “Bob” Joseph Johnston of Ripley, passed away peacefully during a brief stay at London Health Science Centre on June 4th at the age of 85.
Husband of Marilyn (nee Finlayson) for 56 years. Dear father of Julie Thompson (Keith) and Jennifer Pendlebury (Jay). Greatly missed by his grandchildren Rhys and Kelsey.
Predeceased by his late parents Fred and Jean Johnston of Ashfield Township; sisters Lois Johnston and Freeda Bailey (Brian) and brothers Allan and Floyd, sister-in-law Virene Thompson (Alvin) and Oral Cameron (Murray), and his father and mother-in-law Orville and Verna Finlayson.
He is survived by his sister-in-law Geraldine Johnston, Pam Pallister and Marie Scott and several nieces and nephews.
Early on in his career he worked for the Great Lakes Shipping Line.
Then, Bob had a long and varied career with Huron Tel spanning over 45 years. Working as a lineman and a foreman for the company originally known as Huron Kinloss Telephone System.
Bob served his community as a volunteer at the Ripley Huron Fire Department for several years. Also, he was involved with the 1985 Ripley Reunion Committee.
Curling was entertainment for him where he played for many years at the Ripley Curling Club. A sport which took him on numerous road trips to bonspiels across South Western Ontario.
Bob enjoyed trips to the west coast as well as Florida with family and friends over the years.
He was an avid collector of many treasures and a great enthusiast at many auction sales. When Bob retired, he immersed himself in woodworking and restoring antique and unique furniture pieces bringing them back to their natural beauty. .
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Doctors and support staff at Wingham & District Hospital and London Health Science Centre for their expertise and care he received. Also, a thank you for all the phone calls and support received during this time.
A private funeral service was held at the MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home Ripley on Monday, June 10th.
Interment Ripley Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations to Wingham & District Hospital Foundation, St. Andrew’s United Church – Ripley or the Ripley Curling Club would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
