Bryan Michael Johnston

SALEM - Bryan Michael Johnston, 59, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 7, 2008, at his home in Salem.He was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 17, 1949 to Robert and Ann (Cullinan) Johnston.  Later, he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor's of science degree in education and from Loyola University Law School in Chicago.  He practiced as a public defender before coming to Oregon.At the time of his death, Bryan had recently accepted the Presidency of St. Martin's University in Lacey, Washington and began the transition from his current job as Director of the Children and Families Division within the Oregon Department of Human Services. Bryan moved to Oregon in 1978 to follow his artistic passion and became the executive director of the Salem Argonauts Drum and Bugle Corps.  There he met his wife of 28 years, Anne, and resided until his passing.  His educational legacy centered around Willamette University where he worked as a law school professor, Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution, associate dean of the law school, Interim University President, and Dean of the business school, respectively.  From 1995-1998 he held the office of Oregon State Representative as a Democrat from South Salem.  His main profession was that of mediator - operating a private consulting business that dealt with arbitrations and taught dispute resolution. Bryan's numerous community work included service on the boards of the Salem Youth Symphony, Marion Polk Legal Aid, Salem Community Development Corporation, Salem Convention and Visitors Boosters, Challenge of the Homeless, St. Francis Conference, St. Joseph Pastoral Council, Mt. Angel Abbey Planning Committee, Peace Plaza, Oregon Mediation Association, Area Council on the Aging, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Marion County Children and Families Commission, and Oregon Council for the Humanities.  He co-founded Neighbor-to-Neighbor Mediation, and filled roles as Board President for the Oregon Environmental Council and Interim Director for United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. In addition to his wife, Bryan is survived by sons, Drew, Zach, and John; his daughter, Courtney; and his sister, Michele.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Kevin, in 1998.A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Fri., June 20 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, the "Yes for Our Schools" Salem-Keizer Bond Committee, the Tom Zobel House (Union Gospel Mission) or the charity of your choice.  Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.