Donald James JOHNSTON

1936 - 2022

THE HONOURABLE DONALD JAMES JOHNSTON P.C., O.C, Q.C. June 26, 1936 - Feb 4 2022 Donald James Johnston died peacefully on February 4th, 2022 in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, surrounded by loved ones. He was 85 years old. Dear husband for 56 years of Heather (nee Maclaren); and father to Kristina (Aaron Beck), Allison (Neil Bougourd), Rachel (Mark Mallet), and Sara. Grandfather to Charlotte Bougourd, Aidan and Cormac Mallet and Morgan Beck; and beloved uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother David Ian Johnston of Ancaster, Ontario. Born in Ottawa, Donald lived most of his life in Montreal, where he attended the High School of Montreal and McGill University, graduating as Gold Medalist in Law in 1958. He made many lifelong friendships during these early years of his life, and was known for his loyalty, generosity, and practical jokes. A founding partner of the law firm Johnston Heenan Blaikie, Donald was instrumental in the development of the Canadian film industry in the 1970s and has always been a strong supporter of Canadian representation in the arts. In 1978 he turned his attention to federal politics and was elected as the Liberal representative for St Henri Westmount. He held key cabinet positions under Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau and John Turner from 1978-1988, before stepping into the international role of Secretary-General of the OECD, in 1996. Donald was the first non-European to lead the organization and was re-elected for a second term in 2001, where he was able to firmly cement new standards in global governance, sustainable development, and education. After stepping down from the OECD, Donald chaired the McCall MacBain Foundation for over a decade, while continuing to contribute his breadth of experience to various organizations, conferences, publications, and social causes important to him. He was humble about his many accomplishments but proud of the honours he received in his long career, including the Order of Canada, France's Légion d'honneur and Japan's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. Donald had many passions beyond his work and had a tremendous creative mind. He wrote three books throughout his career, and more recently, wrote a musical score "Montreal, Montréal" recorded by the McGill Symphony Orchestra. A playful and lively debater, his friends and family can attest to his engaging wit and endless curiosity, as well as his love and devotion to his dogs - and his enduring tennis serve. But perhaps the most quintessential image of Donald was him sitting at the piano, happily providing entertainment for the evening. His love of music and his love of people came together. Especially in Glen Sutton, his favourite place to invite his many friends from around the world to visit and enjoy the view. *** A memorial service honouring his life will be held later this spring. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Désourdy funeral home 101 rue Jean-Besré Cowansville, Qc J2K 0L3 450-263-1212 www.desourdy.ca