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Alan Johnstone Obituary

Alan Henry Johnstone

Greenville

Alan Henry Johnstone; poet, marathon runner, teacher, father, husband, friend; died on Sunday afternoon at McCall Hospice House after a lengthy, albeit courageous battle with Huntington's Disease. He would've celebrated his 62nd birthday on September 29th.

Born in Greenville, SC to Thomas Kennerly Johnstone Jr. & Minnie Greene Moore, Alan attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor's in Social Studies with a focus on High School Education. He also served four years in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas as a Private First Class for the United States Army. He was also an incredibly active member of the Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for 24 years.

Alan taught high school history and coached the debate team for more than twenty years, spending the majority of his teaching career at Woodmont High School in Piedmont, SC. Known as 'Johnny' by his students, at any given moment he could be seen with chalk dust on his pants or stirring his coffee with a ball-point pen. It goes without saying, then, that Alan was known and loved by his students, friends and family for his goofy sense of humor.

Alan's family would like to take this time to especially thank Open Arms Hospice and McCall Hospice House for their gentle care, compassion and love during Alan's final months. And a special thanks to all of Alan's friends, former students and colleagues for continuing to share wonderful memories of Alan's contagious laughter, social activism and frantic chalkboard note-taking in the classroom. Not only did you enrich Alan's life but you continue to enrich ours with your fond memories. Thank you.

Alan is predeceased by his parents and survived by his loving wife of ten years, Jane Ann McLean; son, Ethan Lee Johnstone; and daughter, Anna Johnstone-Edwards, all of Greenville. Also surviving is his brother, Thomas 'Tam' Kennerly Johnstone III of Reidsville, NC; sister, Anna 'Nan' Johnstone Straughn of Atlanta, GA; and handsome cat, George.

A memorial service will be held at Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Saturday, August 16th, at 2p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The UU World of Children (1135 State Park Road, Greenville, SC, 29609) and United Ministries (606 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC, 29601).

Published by The Greenville News on Aug. 13, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Alan Johnstone

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Sadly I just heard of his passing. He was an awesome person, I was lucky to have him as a teacher and again when I was placed as a caretaker. He always had a smile for everyone and never met a stranger. Hugs and prayers to his family.

Stephanie Brown-Mayfield

December 29, 2014

You were one of most favorite people/teachers during my time at Woodmont. You made a lasting impression on me that I will keep forever. You are truly missed.

Darlene Dawson-Wesner

August 17, 2014

Please accept my sympathy. I haven't seen Alan in 40+ years, but he was always one of my favorite friends in school. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Virginia "Gee-Gee" Mann Camarda

August 15, 2014

Mr. Johnstone, you will be truly missed as one of the greatest teachers in my book. I can see you standing there teaching us, allowing us to move those chairs in your classroom just as long as we were comfortable. You always had the classes attention. There is a picture in one of the year books that shows me, Guy Skipper and Lisa lined up against the walls in those chairs. You will be truly missed.

Tammy Hulsey

August 15, 2014

There was no other teacher that has had a greater influence on me. He will always be remembered with such great admiration and affection. Thank you, Mr. J, for everything you taught me.

Nichola Natale-Bricco

August 15, 2014

You will always be remembered for being an outstanding Youth in Government role model.We appreciate your creativity and fun learning along with checked A&B's with coffee cup stains on return for late night grading.Prayers and condolescences to the family for a remarkable man of valor and a legacy in our Wildcat History.He truly will be missed love C/O 1996

Murtrikia Downs Smith

August 15, 2014

Thank you Mr. Johnstone the person you were and the for the great heart you had for all your students. RIP

Brandy Dyer Duncan

August 14, 2014

MR. JOHNSTONE (JOHNNY),
WAS SUCH A GOOD MAN & TEACHER! HE WAS SOO FUNNY THAT EVEN WHEN I WAS HAVING A BAD DAY AT SCHOOL HE WOULD ALWAYS DO SOMETHING GOOFY TO MAKE ME SMILE!!
I REMEMBER I COULD NEVER KEEP UP WITH HIM WHEN HE WOULD GET STARTED WRITING OUR NOTES ON HIS CHALK BOARD, I WOULD ALWAYS HAVE TO COPY SOMEBODY'S NOTES & HE WOULD ALWAYS HAVE CHALK ALL OVER HIM & A COFFEE CUP ON HIS
DESK. :)
HE TOUCHED ALOT OF PEOPLES LIVES & REALLY CARED ABOUT HIS STUDENTS & I HOPE HE KNEW HIS STUDENTS CARED ALOT ABOUT HIM!
HE WILL REALLY BE MISSED!
MAY HE REST IN PEACE & MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY! WHS 98'

DANA HOLDEN

August 14, 2014

MR. JOHNSTONE (JOHNNY),
WAS SUCH A GOOD MAN & TEACHER! HE WAS SOO FUNNY THAT EVEN WHEN I WAS HAVING A BAD DAY AT SCHOOL HE WOULD ALWAYS DO SOMETHING GOOFY TO MAKE ME SMILE!!
I REMEMBER I COULD NEVER KEEP UP WITH HIM WHEN HE WOULD GET STARTED WRITING OUR NOTES ON HIS CHALK BOARD, I WOULD ALWAYS HAVE TO COPY SOMEBODY'S NOTES & HE WOULD ALWAYS HAVE CHALK ALL OVER HIM & A COFFEE CUP ON HIS
DESK. :)
HE TOUCHED ALOT OF PEOPLES LIVES & REALLY CARED ABOUT HIS STUDENTS & I HOPE HE KNEW HIS STUDENTS CARED ALOT ABOUT HIM!
HE WILL REALLY BE MISSED!
MAY HE REST IN PEACE & MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY! WHS 98'

DANA HOLDEN

August 14, 2014

I will always remember Alan as a courageous man who faithfully volunteered even when his own health was failing. He was a proud Democrat and a wise, intelligent, charming man. The love and devotion of his wife Jane was an inspiration. Much love to his family and friends, he will be missed by so many.

Roxanne Cordonier

August 14, 2014

My condolences to the Johnstone family during this time. May God hold and keep you during this time. Mr. Johnstone always left an impression on his students, and inspired them to reach their potential. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Inga Chapman - WHS Class of 1987

August 13, 2014

Thanks Mr. Johnstone for who you were and who's you were. It is a statement in itself after reading all the comments. WHS class of 86

Scott Flavell

August 13, 2014

The very best teacher I ever had! There was never a doubt about how much he cared for his students. He could always put a smile on my face. RIP Mr. Johnstone! Woodmont. Class of '91.

Sonya Rouse

August 13, 2014

I was so saddened to hear of this news. I had often thought of Mr Johnstone after graduating in 1997. He by far was one of the best teachers I had. He cared so much about his students and always had a smile on his face. He definitely made a difference in my life and I am sure many others as well. Rip Mr Johnstone the world was made better because you were in it.

Amanda Watson

August 13, 2014

Mr. Johnstone was one of a kind.

We teased him mercilessly, but only because we had such profound affection for him, and he gave as good as he got.

One time in particular we did that old trick of paying rapt attention when he stood at one end of the chalkboard, and acting bored and listless when he stood at the other. Sure enough, by the end of the hour he was firmly rooted at the "interesting" end! But we had to tell him all about our little experiment, and he laughed right along with us.

Always a patina of chalk dust on his clothing. Always with that European way of sitting with his legs crossed. Always presenting his political point of view with respect, but hearing you out with equal respect, and encouraging you to really stick up for your views with facts and solid reasoning, not mere wild emotion.

I loved Mr. Johnstone like you might love an uncle. Never more than two weeks go by without me thinking about him and his influence. I am glad all of you loved him, too, and will keep his memory alive.

Mike Ballew

August 13, 2014

Praying for you, the family. My heart sank when I learned that my teacher and mentor passed on. He loved what he did which reflects in the students that still adore and cherish him to this day. God's speed Mr. Johnstone, you will be missed.

The Reverend D. Mitchell Evans

August 13, 2014

Mr. Johnstone was my favorite teacher. He cared about all of his students and he made learning fun! I remember his debates in history class and how he always made me support the view point I disagreed with. He had a great part in making me an open minded individual and I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to learn from him. He was the best! The family is in my thoughts.

Christina Mixon - WHS Class of 1994

August 13, 2014

My senior year (1985-1986) US History teacher. Mr. Johnstone was one of a kind. He made learning very interesting and fun. My prayers and thoughts to his family.

Ishmael Smith

August 13, 2014

My Prayers go out to Alan's family. What a wonderful man. I taught across the hall from Alan for many years at Woodmont High School.

Larry Bachman

August 13, 2014

Mr. Johnstone was one of those special teachers that you knew he loved what he did. He made the classroom interesting and was always open for class discussion (while stirring his coffee with his pen). I pray for his family during this time. RIP Mr. Johnstone!

Michelle Lark

August 13, 2014

Real teachers shape & mold you... Mr. Johnstone, we thank you! C/O 92 WHS

Jada Toliver Turmon

August 13, 2014

I could talk all day about how wonderful Alan is. Simply put, he was a kind and gentle soul with a gigantic heart and a great sense of humor. He was dedicated to social justice and served his community well. I was amazed by his positive attitude. A friend said "the spirit of Alan Johnstone can never die" and that is true. I'm so very fortunate to have shared company with he and Jane. I will treasure the moments we spent together.

Connie McCollum

August 13, 2014

Thoughts and Prayers with the family.

Donnie Freeman family

August 12, 2014

Mr. Johnstone was one of my all time favorite teachers. I have thought of him many times through past 30 years with such fond memories. God Bless you all.
KIm Lollis Woodmont High class of 85

Kim Lollis

August 12, 2014

Praying for your entire family! So sorry to hear of Mr. Johnny's passing. I enjoyed his classes immensely. May The Lord bless you and wrap his loving arms around your entire family! Class of 1997.

Jared Gilstrap

August 12, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. He was a wonderful person as well as a teacher.

Tulane Dennis-Brown

August 12, 2014

Loved him as my high school history teacher! Prayers for the family.

Tammy Fowler Jacobs

August 12, 2014

RIP Mr. Johnstone... I will forever laugh at the fact I could never pass any of your test. I don't think anyone could. Even the really smart kids scored low! God Bless You and your family.

Kelley ( Mull ) Gilliland

August 12, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Mr. J made a impact on my life at Woodmont most of all by putting a smile on my face every morning in homeroom! He was a wonderful man!

Kami Neves Hedden

August 12, 2014

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