REV. DR. MICHAEL A. JOHNSTON The Reverend Dr. Michael A. Johnston died December 3, 2015, in Prairie Village, Kan. Burial service will be 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105. Michael was born May 23, 1946, in Kansas City. Early in his childhood his family moved to Colorado. It became known early in his life that Michael was intellectually gifted. He is unique in that, following a career in science, he was ordained an Episcopal Priest. Following graduation from Colorado College (cum laude) in 1968 he received his Ph.D. in chemistry and biological sciences from Yale University. Chemistry and biology professorships followed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago. He was a significant research professor and published a number of articles in scientific journals. In 1988 he left the University of Chicago and enrolled at General Theological Seminary in New York City, receiving his Master of Divinity Degree in 1991. Following ordination to the priesthood he served parishes in the Chicago region, most significantly as long-time Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Oak Park, Ill. One of the hallmarks of his pastorate were the tours he sponsored to holy places in Italy, Greece and Turkey. In 2006 Michael returned to Kansas City due to a disabling illness. Still wishing to be active in some way, he served until his death as Scholar-in-Residence at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. In this position he provided the Cathedral congregation with many seminars and courses of great value. He was a great teacher and prolific writer, and well known to most of today's leading religious scholars. Michael also had a passion for Byzantine and Renaissance religious art, opera, and cooking. He was beloved to the Cathedral congregation and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Milanovich Johnston and Ellis Thomas Johnston and one sister, Cathy Johnston. He is survived by sister, Diana Rose, of Ft. Collins, Colo., and nephew, Demian Schroeder of Brooklyn, NY. Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri, www.kccremation.com

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL JOHNSTON

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

9 Entries

Lori Slaughter

September 6, 2016

So sad to read of Father Michae's passing. He was a great leader and very compassionate. I knew him in Oak Park, Illinois.

Lynn Hiestand

February 9, 2016

Michael was a dear friend to me and mentor to my son Christian.

Virginia Carr

February 8, 2016

Michael is the reason I am still a church member - His sermons were always educational and enlightening and demonstrated the huge impact of scholarly biblical research in interpreting Scripture. In fact, one is REQUIRED to use one's intelligence -- an IMMENSE contrast from the "It is a mystery - to be glorified in and of itself" approach which comprised so much of earlier Christian education. Michael was indeed a gift to many of us.

Judy Royal

February 8, 2016

Michael was such an inspiring person and his sermons really moved me. We were lucky to have him those years at St. Matthews.

Larry Le Seure

January 22, 2016

I remember meeting Michael for the first time at the Elizabethan Club of Yale University. His conversation over tea was always witty and smart. We shared a passion for the life and liturgy of Christ Church, New Haven. I last saw Michael at a memorial dinner for the Rev'd William George Kibitz, D.D., longtime rector. I am sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace+

Larry
(The Rev'd) Laurence Le Seure
St Stephen's, Woodlawn, Bronx, NY

Royal Rhodes

January 20, 2016

I am saddened to learn of the death of the Rev. Michael Johnston. I got to know him years ago through his friends at Yale and at Christ Church. I am sure that in his later ministry he brought comfort and compassion to all the lives he touched. Let perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace.

wonderful wity guy

Sharon Johnston Taylor

January 19, 2016

I lost track of Mike when we grew up, but I remember many happy hours when we were kids sitting on Grandpa and Grandma's front porch playing guitar and singing. He was my cousin, my age. I am saddened by his passing.

A. M.

January 19, 2016

My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)

John Ferguson

January 17, 2016

I knew Michael early in his scientific studies at Yale University, where we were both graduate students. In retrospect, it was an easy and happy time there in our little Ivy League bubble. Michael introduced me to Bill Kibitz and Larry LeSeure, which eventually led to some memorable summer vacations in Provincetown, Massachusetts. I think of him often, especially when I am on vacation in Provincetown.

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