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BORN
1937
DIED
2015
Angus Johnston Obituary
In loving memory of Angus "Al" Johnston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Al was born on Christmas Day 1937 in Glasgow, Scotland, to James and Catherine MacGregor Johnston and passed away on April 2, 2015 in Torrance, California. His youth was spent roaming Ruchill Golf Course, playing bagpipes for the Boys Brigade, and mucking about with his best pals, Jimmy and Johnny. As a young man, Al worked as an apprentice for David Rowan & Co. and then joined the Merchant Marines to travel the world as a ship's engineer, before returning home to marry his loving wife Cathy in 1961. At the urging of his older brother Bill, to come join him in California, Al and Cathy and baby daughter Carol immigrated to America in 1963. Sadly, Bill passed away before they settled in Torrance, California, which Al called home for the next 52 years. Al's first American job was at Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he worked as a steam engineer until 1969, when he left to become a building engineer at Empire General Life on Wilshire Blvd. While working full-time, Al did side jobs for Service Building Maintenance, a company his late brother started in the early 1960's. By the early 1970's, Service Building Maintenance, was awarded the cleaning contract for 611 Wilshire Blvd. Al became a fixture in Downtown LA, and his company began servicing and managing high rises for more than 40 years. As his children grew, Al began coaching AYSO teams and helping with baseball at Tordondo Little League. Although he loved America, Al remained a Glaswegian at heart. Each year he returned to Scotland to see friends and watch his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club. He embraced life - he enjoyed golfing with friends, seeing his grandchildren, and a Johnny Walker Red with two ice cubes. Al is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Carol (Tim) LaRue, son Scott, daughter Dianne (Gordon) Kelly, and grandchildren: James, Lauren, Katie, and Cameron. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law Colette Wilson and nieces and nephews: Richard Jackson, Alistair Wilson, Leanne Wilson, and Sheree Wilson and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Johnston and Bill's wife Mees, his sister Margaret Jackson and her husband Arthur, Margaret's daughter Jaki, and his brother-in-law Alec Wilson. A memorial celebration will be held at the American Legion ("The Fort") on Friday, May 1st at 5:30 p.m. 412 Camino Real, Redondo Beach. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Angus Johnston
Sponsored by Daily Breeze.
Tiffany Birch
July 18, 2015
I was very shocked and very saddened to learn about Al. He was a ray of sunshine on the usual mundane Thursdays at FIDM when he'd come to inspect our offices. Over many years we had humorous chats about his Scottish past, our families, Fresh & Easy, and our holidays. Al, you're terribly missed by us all. You were kind, funny, and patient. May you rest in peace.
April 16, 2015
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Farewell Mate - ye'll be missed....
Cha bhithidh a leithid ami riamh.
{ His equal will never be among us again.}
The members of American Legion South Bay Post 184 - 'The Fort'
Bill and Audrey Cyr
April 13, 2015
Al Johnston was the hardworking patriarch of a truly warm and wonderful family and his presence will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cathy, Carol, Dianne and Scott during this difficult time. Al Johnston was justly proud of each of you for the amazing person you have become.
Johnston Family-- you are the best people we know and we are so proud to call you our friends. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time.
April 12, 2015
Cathy and family, we were so shocked and saddened to learn of Al's death. We shall miss this fine man very much.
Your neighbors,
Bob & Ann Curtis
bill trigg
April 11, 2015
rest in peace al. we had some great times with the boys from thursday night. i stayed on the beer, but you and loomes on those great measures of jonny walker red, ha. my condolences to all the family. bill trigg.
Bill Cyr
April 11, 2015
Someone once said that behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.
I do not know if Mr. Johnston was a great man, but no one ever rolled their eyes at him. He was a very good man, a decent man, a fair man, who through the sweat of his brow and his Scottish smarts worked long and hard each day to do his very best to provide for his wife and children. I've been privileged to know the Johnston family for more than thirty-six years and always admired him and his wife, Cathy, and their three wonderful children. Al Johnston always welcomed me into his home, looked me in the eye and shook my hand and made me feel right at home. At the same time I always felt that if I ever did anything to disrespect him or his family that he'd have no problem tossing me out the front door like yesterday's rubbish.
Al Johnston was like a great lion that watched protectively over his lioness and cubs, and each day ventured off in search of food to provide for his hungry family waiting expectantly at home for him.
The King of the Jungle doesn't pass quietly from this earth without every creature, great and small, paying heed. Though the great lion roars no more those of us left behind on the savanna will long feel his presence.
Mr. Johnston, rest easy in the knowledge that you were a great role model to your children and friends. Though we are saddened at your passing, we are much better for having known you.
You passed away the same day as my birthday. Each year on my birthday I will make it a point to tip my hat to your memory as I hoist a drink in your honor.
Bill Cyr
April 11, 2015
Condolences to Al's family from the Baaden clan on Toluca. We'll miss hearing your brogue.
Walt and Ann Baaden, Torrance
Russ Braun
April 11, 2015
Hit em straight in heaven Al, there is no doubt you went straight there pal!
Julie Schoenberg
April 10, 2015
What a loving salute to a good man! God be with you and hold you tightly, Johnston family. Love, Julie
tony green
April 10, 2015
May you rest in peace Al it was a pleasure knowing you.Working with you and playing golf and talking about fitba wi you,many a night we spent at hacienda Del Rey were your favorite tipple was " Johnnie Walker Rojas dos aiello por favor " classic that was my introduction to learning Spanish you will be sadly missed.
April 10, 2015
Keeping your family in our hearts and thoughts and wishing you peace. The Flahertys
Christie Edman
April 10, 2015
I will miss your kind hello's and your smiling face. The Fort will not be the same without you.
Thomas Baaden
April 10, 2015
Mr. Johnston was a kind and friendly neighbor. I enjoyed talking to him growing up on Toluca Avenue about soccer and business. I have fond memories of seeing him after his arrival from the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, where I also went. Rest in peace with all those soccer fans up in heaven!
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