Edward George Johnston

The Rev. Edward George Johnston, 81 'Gracie's Dad' SCARBOROUGH -- The Rev. Edward George Johnston, 81, formerly of Harmony, and Bradenton, Fla., died at the Maine Veterans Home, Scarborough on Oct. 4, 2009. He was born May 1, 1928, in Arlington, Mass., to Thomas Martin and Marion E. Johnston. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Private First Class. He graduated from Gordon College in 1952 and earned his Masters of Divinity from Gordon Divinity School in 1956. He was ordained in 1957 in Rock Village Federated Church in Middleborough, Mass., where he served from 1953-1957. He went on to pastor at Community Baptist in Medford, Mass. (1957-1964): then First Baptist Church in Holyoke, Mass. (1964-1992). Ed was passionate about Christian education, camping ministries and missionary work. Additionally, he was involved in community and civic organizations including Holyoke Kiwanis (past president), Mt. Hermon Lodge, AF&AM, Holyoke Hospital (board member) and the National Conference of Christians and Jews (for which he was a recipient of their highest Award for Service to the Community). He married Eliette 'Ellie' Helene Racine in 1953 who predeceased him in 1990. He married Carolyn Perry Potter in 1998 who predeceased him in 2004. Ed is survived by his son, Father Raphael (David) and his wife Debbie of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada, daughter Gracie and her partner Linda McDevitt of South Portland, son Stephen and his wife Carolyn of Pittsfield, Mass., and son Peter and his wife Inger of Raymond, N.H.; eight grandchildren, Ian and wife Laura, Michael, Liam, Ethan, Emily, Calvin, Teany, Khemara and Bonny; and three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Emma, and Makayla. He is also survived by his sister, Veronica 'Ronnie' and her husband Iver Scher of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is also predeceased by brothers Thomas, Kenneth and David, sister Caroline; and son Thomas Wayne. Ed's family would like to thank the caring staff at Maine Veterans Home for their love, special warmth and compassion. Visiting hours are Friday, Oct. 9, from 5-8 p.m., at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Then, please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. at Williston- West UCC, 32 Thomas St., Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center 167 Prescott St. Groton, Massachusetts 01450 The Rev. Edward George Johnston