Robert JOHNSTONE

Robert Johnstone died peacefully, on April 22, 2024, surrounded by his family who loved him deeply. He accomplished much in his full life, but nothing was more important to him than 66 years of marriage to Louise (known as Popsy) and the four children they raised, Lesley (Gilbert), Ian (Gabriela), Chris (Tungaa) and Nick (Kristen). Bob was a grandparent to Samuel, Clara, Maia, Matthew, Telmuun, Thomas, Alexander and Beatrix; and great-grandparent to Lily and Mila. He is also survived by his sister, Jane (Ian). They will all remember Bob for his humility and kindheartedness. Whether sailing the small boat he built at the Five Lakes Fishing Club, hitting a sly left-handed tennis serve, or cross-country skiing in the Gatineau Hills, Bob did it with gusto. When dancing with Popsy or leading the neighborhood in Christmas carols, he did it with grace. Some of his happiest moments were singing with Esther Mae (Mama) Scott at St. Stephen's and the Incarnation in Washington, DC, a church he and Popsy attended during the civil rights movement in the 1960's. After graduating from Trinity College (University of Toronto), Bob attended Laval University in Quebec City, where he met and married Popsy in 1957. He went from Laval to a research position in the Bank of Canada, followed by a year at the London School of Economics. At the International Monetary Fund in DC, he was one of the youngest Executive Directors the IMF had ever seen. Back to Ottawa in 1972, he spent the next 17 years working for the Canadian government, holding Deputy Minister positions in several departments, including External Affairs and Industry, Trade and Commerce. From 1984-89, Bob served as Canada's Consul-General in New York. In those five wonderful years, they made many friends in business and the arts. After resigning from the government, Bob and Popsy moved to Toronto, where they reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. Over the years, Bob held several advisory and board positions. He volunteered his time as chairman of the Board of Smile Theatre, and at CAMH. When he wasn't attending cultural events or exploring the streets of Toronto on his bicycle, he could be found playing cribbage with one of his grandchildren. Bob was deeply grateful for the joy his family brought him and the fulfillment his public service career provided. The family would like to thank Kensington Gardens for the care he received in his final years. He was cremated at the Chapel of St. James-the-Less. About his funeral, he asked that we "keep it short and have a party afterwards." Donations in Bob's memory can be made to Smile Theatre (www: smiletheatre.com) or to a Charity of Your Choice.