JOHNSTON, Lovell William
A beloved father, passed away quietly and peacefully on Saturday, Feb 2, 2013. He led a wonderful live of 98 years, and he truly will be missed by many. He loved to tell of growing up in San Francisco, from watching the Golden Gate Bridge being built and being one of the first ones over it with his brother Tom, to seeing Treasure Island expanding, or seeing the skyscrapers growing and growing like flowers. He loved hiking Mt. Tamalpais with the brother Tom. He rode the Delta King to and from San Francisco to Sacramento when he was a young boy. He worked for 46 years for AT&T (Ma Bell) in a variety of positions - he was very proud that he climbed telephone poles, helped install major phone systems, caught bad guys scamming the system, and helped our country grow out from the depression and wars in his way. He was one of the first honorary Judo black belts in America. He lost his wife Charlotte about 10 years ago. They were married 60 years. They had an amazing love story. They went on over 40 cruises together. Eventually, he moved in with his only daughter, Jan and her husband Jeff Gold. He helped build cabinets in their home, kept the plumbing and electrical in line, and made quite a difference for them. He introduced them to cruises, and they all had the time of their lives! After a series of strokes, he went into hospice about 6 weeks ago. They are an amazing organization and made his passing respectful and peaceful. He is also survived by his grandchild, Scott Meske, his wife Rebecca, and his two great-grandchildren Faith and Cody. A memorial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at 1PM at PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, 725-2109). A celebration of his life will be held at Jan's home in Roseville. Contact jeffgold55@comcast.net if you need other details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Call Hospice www.fchosp.com or
ww5.komen.org/donate/donate.html. God bless Lovell.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on February 7, 2013
