Donald R. Johnston

1932 - 2016

Donald R. Johnston

February 29, 1932

April 18, 2016

Don Johnston passed away in the comfort of his home in Sparks, NV on April 18, 2016 at the age of 84. Don was born February 29, 1932 in Ontario, Oregon to Irl and Rose Johnston. He moved to Sparks in 1947 and graduated from Sparks High School in 1950. It was there that he met and fell in love with his wife of more than 62 years, Evelyn Johnston.

Don served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Air Force, Don began his career with the U.S. Postal Service at the Sparks Post Office. With his strong work ethic, he advanced his way through various positions including Carrier, Clerk, Superintendent of Mails, and Assistant Postmaster to the Postmaster. In 1982 while serving as Postmaster, Don was elected as the North Vice President of National Association of Postmasters of the United States and served as the National Convention Chairman in Las Vegas in 1985, receiving numerous accolades for coordinating and facilitating the largest convention ever held by that group.

Don retired from the Post Office in 1987. He then continued his successful career as Executive Director of the Sparks Chamber of Commerce, proudly growing the membership from 90 to 630. In 2002, Don retired from the Chamber and received a U.S. Senate Certificate of Commendation for his outstanding leadership as Executive Director, and Governor Kenny Guinn proclaimed September 20, 2002 as a day of honor for his working achievements at the Sparks Chamber. Don was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 by the Sparks Chamber.

Overlapping his career at the Chamber, Don served for 15 years as a Board of Governors member for Northern Nevada Medical Center and was the Chairman for ten years. He was a passionate volunteer at Northern Nevada Medical Center, accumulating an impressive 2,300 volunteer hours. In 2011, because of his dedication in managing flu shot clinics, health fairs, and low-cost health screenings, he received a community partner Healthcare Hero award. Within the last month of his life, Don said he would still be volunteering at the hospital if he would have been able; that's how important it was to him.

Don loved the City of Sparks and the feeling was mutual. In fact, he was honored with the title (crown and sash included) of "Mr. Sparks" in 1988 - more officially known as Citizen of the Year. He also served as a Sparks Councilman Ward 4 from 1990-1991. In 1998, Don was awarded the Tribune Decade Awards for promoting the city he loved, and in 2002, he was appointed as a member of the Sparks Centennial Commission.

Don is survived by his wife Evelyn, their children Steve Johnston and Cheri (Jack) Byrom, grandson Eric Rosaschi, one brother, two sisters, and a host of family members and long-time friends.

A private ceremony was held at the Masonic Memorial Gardens Chapel. The family would appreciate you sharing a message or memory in the Book of Memories at www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.

Don was a member of the Sparks United Methodist Church for 66 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sparks United Methodist Church in memory of Don.

The Johnston and Byrom family would also like to acknowledge Infinity Hospice Care for the superb care they provided.