JOHNSTON, DAVID ANDREW
It is with profound grief, that the wife of David Andrew Johnston announces his sudden passing at home on May 8th, 2020, after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. David was a kind, genuine, fun-loving, adventurous soul, who has been described by many who knew him, as a gentle giant. He loved animals, travelling, the outdoors, and any activity which fed his soul with fun, excitement, and adventure. He fiercely loved his wife, Lynn, his furry, four-legged son, Josh, his family and friends, and life. He loved life. David was born on February 4th, 1973, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as the eldest child of Sam and Maureen Johnston. He spent his youth moving with his family to several regions of Northern Ireland, making friends and having fun wherever they moved. He enjoyed competition fishing, building model trains and planes, and cooking, which he started at a very young age. After David finished secondary school, he attended Catering College, earning his chef’s qualifications. In October 1990, David embarked on the most adventurous chapter of his life by joining Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force, beginning his 22-year career as a chef. His career, which took him all over the globe to proudly serve in the RAF in conflicts and training exercises, provided him the opportunities to fill his life with the experiences his soul craved. He served in numerous areas Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and in Canada. It was in Canada that he met the true love of his live, Lynn, who he married on November 24th, 2001 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Together, they travelled back to the United Kingdom, where he began his marriage and continued to proudly serve in the RAF, until his retirement in 2012, when he emigrated to Canada, with his wife Lynn, to start the next chapter of his life. He completely changed careers to become a Hydrovac Operator, which he loved and worked at for several years, meeting and befriending many people in the short time he had in his new career choice. In 2018, David was diagnosed with an aggressive, metastasised cancer, which made it impossible for him to do what he loved. He continued to battle his cancer over the next two years, courageously facing the many treatments, until he finally lost his battle this past Friday. David was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Eleanor Johnston; his maternal grandparents, Edgar and Mollie Fielding; his uncle, Derek Johnston; and his father, Samuel Johnston, and our first four-legged, furry son Bear. David leaves, in mourning, his wife Lynn (Comstock) Johnston; his furry son, Josh. In the United Kingdom, he leaves to mourn, his mother, Maureen Johnston; sister Judith (Gavin) Ellison; brother Michael (Rachel) Johnston; brother Richard (Sarah) Johnston, and his nephews and nieces; Benjamin Ellison, Isobel Ellison, Thomas Johnston, Jessica Johnston, Callum Johnston, Fin Johnston, and Eoin Johnston. As well he leaves behind many cherished uncles, aunts, and cousins. In Canada he leaves, to mourn, his mother-in-law, Isabella Marquette; his father-in-law, Lyle Comstock (Eva); his sister-in-law, Sarah (Scott) Mitchell; his brother-in-law, David (Candace) Comstock; his nephew and nieces, Glen Mitchell, Blythe Mitchell, Mayzie Comstock, and Tia Comstock. In addition, he leaves to mourn his passing, Eleanor and Bruce Durie, his aunt and uncle-in-law whom he became quite close to. On both sides of the ocean, David has left behind many close friends and colleagues; his RAF family and close friends that he met throughout his life and his travels. While there is not the space to mention you all, know that he loved all of you. His wife would like to thank Dr. Haver, Dr. Van Wyk, Dr. Salim, the staff of the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital, the staff of the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, the staff on the cancer ward in the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, The Kinsmen, and the Palliative Nurses, who all came to his side to see him through this past 2 years with kindness, caring, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to do so make charitable donations to your preference of: The Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, The Kinsmen Telemiracle, or the Moose Jaw Humane Society, on David’s behalf. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held for David at a later date, which will be announced when restrictions on gatherings have been lifted. In living memory of David, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries).
Kelly Scott - Funeral Director
