Obituary of JOHN RUSSELL JOHNSTON

John passed away suddenly but without suffering on Thursday, October 17^th, 2024 at his home in Winnipeg at the age of 68 years. He was predeceased by his father Arnold Johnston and his mother Eleanor Johnston (nee McKenzie). He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Andrea Farrell (Shawn), Diane Emslie (Dave), and Annie Johnston, as well as his grandchildren Kaitlyn, Riley, Eleanor, Kaleb, Nevaeh, Nathaniel, Lilly, and Greyson. He will be missed dearly by his girlfriend Lynn Werry and her children, Loren Werry-Hymers (Steve), Shay Werry, Rochelle Werry (Andre) and her grandchildren Natalie, Eve, Mekayla, Jeremy, Brandon, James, Shaelyn, and Xavier.

John grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was raised by his widowed strong loving mother Eleanor. His youth was an adventure of which he loved to share stories or perhaps cautionary tales with his daughters. Although he lost his own father at an early age, John became the kind of father you could count on to be there no matter what the time, or what the situation. He gave freely of himself to his family and his friends. He was a proud graduate of the Creative Communications Program at Red River College where he excelled in his craft and made lifelong friendships. He flourished professionally as a photographer and a website designer; a career that he was meant for. He loved to network and learn the stories of the people he interacted with.  He attended many events in and around Winnipeg as a photographer for the Winnipeg Free Press Social Page, as well as working for Style Manitoba with lifelong friend Rita van Leeuwen, just to mention a few of his professional accomplishments.  In his free time, he loved to fish, cook, and debate politics. He was also an incredible listener. You always felt better after you spoke to him as he made sure you truly felt heard, no matter what the context of the conversation. The last few years found him enjoying time at the lake near Gimli with his girlfriend Lynn and helping to care for her father Herb (prior to his passing). His greatest gift was his ability to make those around him laugh. He brought light and comfort to every room he entered. He is forever loved and will be always missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Irish Association of Manitoba, 654 Erin Street on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 pm. All who wish to celebrate John are welcome to attend.