Obituary of Wesley Johnston

After a long and valiant struggle with cancer, Wes completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, December 10, 2003. He is honoured and lovingly remembered by his best friend and wife of fifty-two years, Sheila; two sons and a daughter-in-law Jim and Sue of Chilliwack, BC, Russell of Victoria, BC and a daughter and son-in-law Louise Johnston and Wolf Leonhardt of Calgary; seven grandchildren: Cheryl Holm and Michael Johnston, Allison and David Leonhardt, Jessica, Becky and Bobby LeBrun, and four God-children: Tom Liknes, Bill Kay, Marlene Caskey and Don Jacquest. He is also survived by three brothers and two sisters-in-law: Vernon and Helen of Cereal, AB, Don and Mary of Calgary, and Duncan of Nelson, BC; two sisters-in-law, June Johnston of Nelson, BC and Margaret (Bruce) Jacquest of Westerose, AB; two aunts, Hazel Sommerville of Carstairs, AB and Betty Carson of Sacramento, CA and one uncle Russell Vogel of Calgary, AB. He was predeceased by his son David in 1977, his parents Russell and Louise Vogel Johnston, by Sheila’s parents Jim and Bertha Moore and by several aunts and uncles. He will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, cousins, other family members, neighbours and friends. Wes was born September 30, 1928 on the family farm at Helmsdale, AB. He was a 1950 graduate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and spent his entire thirty-eight year professional career with Calgary Power, later TransAlta Utilities, mainly in the communications and telecontrol field. He was a life member of APEGGA and a past section chairman of IEEE. Upon retiring in 1988, he was able to pursue his other interests, including archaeology and genealogy, the latter combined with the love of computers. Wes and Sheila spent some time in their beloved Kananaskis, did some traveling and combined that travel with genealogy whenever possible. Wes lent his technical expertise to keep computer, audio and other equipment running at the Historical Society of Alberta, the Alberta Families History Society, and Northminster United Church. He was also a Trustee of Northminster United Church. His long and dedicated service to the Calgary Centre (chapter) of the Archaeological Society of Alberta was recognized earlier this year when their annual student award was named “The Wes Johnston Award in Archaeology”. His retirement also included many years of support to both his own and Sheila’s parents during their declining years. He was a man of strong, staunch, and upright character, who valued honesty, fairness and forthrightness throughout his life. He set us all a fine example of leadership and quiet support for the causes he believed in. We would like to express a special word of appreciation and thanks to Bev Rinehart and her dedicated staff at Sarcee Hospice who made Wes’ final months as comfortable as possible; and to Drs. Avis Boyer, Maurice Saunders, and David Falk. Thanks also to Dr. Harold Lau, the staff of ICU and Respiratory Departments, and those of the staff of Unit 47 at Foothills Hospital who supported and cared for and about Wes last year. We would also like to express our gratitude to the minister, secretary and our fellow members of the Northminster congregation for their wonderful support during the past fourteen months, especially those who saw that Sheila daily got safely to and from Glenmore and also Sarcee, regardless of the weather. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Northminster United Church Commemorative Fund, 3311 Centre Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2E 2X7 or to “The Wes Johnston Award in Archaeology”, c/o The Development Office, Craigie Hall (6th Floor), University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4; or to the charity of the donor’s choice. A Memorial Service will be held at Northminster United Church (3311 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 1:30 P.M. with the Rev. Linda Benson officiating. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. One or the other must leave, One or the other must stay. One or the other must grieve That is forever the way. That is the vow that was sworn, Faithful till death do us part. Braving what had to be borne, Hiding the ache in the heart. One, howsoever adored, First must be summoned away. That is the will of the Lord, One or the other must stay. In living memory of Wes Johnston, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 276-2296.