Bill Johnston 6-21-1919 to 8-29-2012 Resident of Watsonville William "Bill" Johnston passed away peacefully at his home on August 29. Bill was born in Clydebank, Scotland in 1919. He, at two years old, and his mother immigrated to his adopted country and settled in Omaha, Nebraska, where his father was already working. He graduated from Omaha North High School and attended University of Nebraska. He was drafted by the Army in 1941 and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, serving in Europe and was stationed at Camp McQuaide (now Monterey Bay Academy), outside Watsonville. He received his citizenship in 1942 while stationed at Norfork, Virginia. In 1945, after being discharged, he moved to Watsonville permanently. Bill worked for Amizich Bros. Plumbing Service, Paul Knudsen, and Charles Ford Co. In 1947 he married Ellen Eldridge. In 1948 he opened his own office in Freedom and was licensed as a Public Accountant, Insurance Broker, and Real Estate Broker, and worked in his office up to the last two months. He maintained his licenses for 64 years. He was appointed Management Agent for Independence Square Housing Corporation for 32 years. Bill was secretary for the Allied Veterans Council for over 50 years; secretary of the Insurance Association of Watsonville for 30 years; president of Watsonville Association of Realtors in 1959; president of the Watsonville Men's Bowling Association 1946-1950, 1954-1958, and 1966-1969; president of the Monterey Bay chapter of Society of California Accountants in 1995; 64 years as member of the Masonic bodies, including the Shriners; life member of the Elks; served several years as secretary and president of the Freedom Volunteer Fire Department; 66 year member of the American Legion, Post #121 Watsonville; and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #1716 Freedom. Bill served the City of Watsonville as Alderman and Councilman for 12 years and was elected Mayor for three terms (12 years). He appeared before Congressional Committees in Washington, D.C., securing loans and grants of $30 million dollars for the City of Watsonville. In 1983 Bill was honored as being Watsonville's Man of the Year. Bill is preceded in death by Ellen, his wife of 64 years. He is survived by his children Bradford, of Phoenix, Arizona; David (Sylvia); and Margaret of Watsonville. Grandchildren Josilyn Albert, of Phoenix, Arizona; Scotlan (Jessica), and William of Watsonville, and great grand daughters Kelli and Terren of Watsonville. Also sister-in-law Barbara (Peter) Miljanich, of Redwood City. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital or
. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Patrick & Debbie Carroll, Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel from September 8 to September 10, 2012
