Richard W. JOHNSTON

Richard W. Johnston

Dick Johnston passed away in Burlington, ON, on September 26, 2015, after a long battle with cancer and other afflictions. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol Johnston; his sister, Shirley Simmers (David); his children, Brock (Tru Freeman) and Laurie (Rob Fullerton); and six loving grandchildren, Renée, Amy, Geoff, Graeme, Gregory and Carly.
  Dick was born in Manchuria October 21, 1928 to missionary parents, Harry and Jean Johnston. He grew up in China, Winnipeg and Rossland, BC. He earned degrees from the Universities of Manitoba (Hons. BSc. in Mathematics and Physics and Hons. BSW) and Saskatchewan (Master of Psychology and Statistics). He started his career in Ontario in personnel management and quickly transitioned to management consulting, eventually partnering with Jim Hickling to establish Hickling Johnston, which rapidly became Canada's largest independent management consulting firm in the 1970's. Dick subsequently joined the executive search firm of Spencer Stuart, becoming Canadian President and a member of its international Board. Dick finished his career by founding the boutique consulting firm of Johnston, Smith, Fromkin & McCullough. Dick was a Registered Psychologist and a Fellow of the Ontario Institute of Management Consultants.
  Dick was admired by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. He was invariably generous and kind to his friends, family and colleagues. Optimism, an unrelenting 'can-do' approach and a dedication to excellence inspired everything he took on, whether in the world of business, building his first home and beloved cottage at Lake of Bays, snow and water skiing, sailing, canoeing or scuba diving. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren and an ardent supporter of them all in their education, travels, accomplishments and challenges.
  In later years, Dick faced blindness (glaucoma) and failing health with courage and without complaint. To the end, he rose to these challenges and did not let them get in the way of his love for family and friends. He will be sorely missed but his memory will live on as an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
  The family would like to thank the able and caring staff at The Williamsburg Uptown Senior Living (Burlington). There will be a private gathering to celebrate Dick's life among family members and close friends at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7 at The Williamsburg Uptown, 1893 Appleby Line (off Ironstone), Burlington. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Canadian National Institute for the Blind or Médecins sans Frontières.