Obituary of Gregory Charles JOHNSTON

November 22, 1951 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
August 9, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Greg Charles Johnston, beloved husband of Monique Johnston, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at the age of 68 years.

Greg went on his journey peacefully with Monique by his side. Greg was her soul mate, life partner, best friend and the love of her life.

Greg and his family moved from Winnipeg to the Penhold army base where his dad was stationed in 1959. The family later moved to Calgary in 1964, where Greg attended Western Canada High school, then on to a drafting course at SAIT.

Greg started his career in satellite services in 1966 with WP Telectronics as an installation technician, then quickly moved up to crew manager and customer support. After about ten years Greg and his partner formed Geosat Inc. Some years later Greg started Vector Services and subcontracted to Geosat.

Greg was a pioneer in bringing satellite entertainment TV and internet to remote areas of the High Arctic. Much of this work was carried out for Transport Canada, Environment Canada, Department of Defense and several major oil companies. Greg was renowned for his PR, excellent technical skills and his attention to detail.

Greg also spent a couple of years in the Real Estate market while maintaining his satellite business on the side.

During this time Greg and Monique met on a date set up by mutual friends. Things obviously clicked as they were married in 1987. They both brought a daughter into their union and in 1988; they would have daughter number three together. From early on and throughout their marriage Greg was known as Greg No.1.

In 2003, Greg installed satellite dishes for Public Storage in Calgary which led to a career change working part-time as a relief manager. In 2004, Monique joined Greg at Public Storage where they lived onsite as property managers for sixteen years. Both Greg and Monique were exemplary managers and became the “go to” team to train new employees or test new systems. In 2019, they made the move to part-time and moved back to their family home in Westbrook.

Greg was known for his love of movies, especially disaster movies; more disaster = better movie. Greg also loved music and was most fond of The Eagles, Phil Collins, and ELO. He also liked rhythm & blues, rock & roll and classic rock.

When not at work or in front of the screen, Greg enjoyed camping with family and friends. Playing cards and dice with their dear friends was a regular event, which they continued weekly during COVID via Zoom.

Words to describe Greg include great guy, positive attitude, considerate, witty, fabulous demeanor, always found the silver lining, heartwarming hugger, Monique’s everything, gentle soul, laid back, sweet tooth, comical and generous. Greg’s attitude toward adversity was “whatever”, which he proudly displayed on the fireplace mantle.

Greg succumbed after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer and multiple other medical complications. He maintained an incredibly positive attitude throughout.

Greg is much loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Greg is survived by his loving spouse Monique Johnston, daughters, Tricia Johnston (Jeff Shoot), Annalise Woertman, and Allison Dunford (Kyle); and granddaughters, Kimberley, Ashley, Hailey and Zoey.  Greg is also survived by his brother-in-law Brian Edmundson, nieces, Kimberly Clearwater (Randy) and Cindy Simmons; nephews, Les Simmons (Kathy), Gordie Simmons (Janet), and Mike Simmons (Angela); great nephew Alexander Slemp, and his extended family, including his mother and father-in-law, numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Greg was predeceased by his parents, Susan Caldwell-Johnston and Gordon Johnston; his sisters, Helen Smith and Eloise Edmundson; and Jasper, their beloved dog.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Greg’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Greg Johnston, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.