George H Johnston

George Henry Johnston Jr passed away on April 6, 2025, at 95 years old. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Schechter (John), his son, Bruce Johnston (Linda Kurtz), four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife, Norma (Bunny) Garley Johnston, who was the love of his life.

George was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 12, 1929 to George and Maude (Milne) Johnston. His younger sister, Marge, predeceased him. George grew up in Edina, Minnesota, and played football and hockey at West High School in Minneapolis. He majored in business administration at the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After graduation, George enlisted in the US Navy. He attended the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) and married Bunny on March 26, 1952, enroute to his base in San Diego. He served on two destroyers, the USS Kidd and the USS Cook during his three-year deployment in Korea and stateside, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

George pursued a career in appliance sales that took the family from Minneapolis to Cleveland and, finally, to the Hartford, CT area, where he owned a Speed Queen distributorship for 18 years. Bunny was actively involved in the business, both as an advisor and office manager.

At age 55, George began a second career as a broker with Prudential-Bache Securities. He always put the needs and concerns of his clients first and earned the respect of his fellow associates and managers. He retired 7 years later, when he and Bunny moved to the Tampa, Florida area. He remained a lifelong Episcopalian and served on the Vestry at several churches.

In retirement, George and Bunny traveled extensively to worldwide destinations on six continents; enjoyed tennis, good friends and spending time with their children and grandchildren. They loved the warm Florida weather. He was an avid football and hockey fan to the end, especially his beloved University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

After Bunny's death in 2016, George moved to Coral Springs, FL to be closer to his children, especially his daughter Barbara, who lovingly aided him with sit-down meals, Sunday Dolphins games, and movie nights. His son, Bruce, and daughter-in-law, Linda, spent four winters with George, and he enjoyed having both of kids together on numerous occasions.

George will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He always made family his top priority.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4