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Kelly Fred Johnston
<p>MY OBITUARY</p> <p> </p> <p>KELLY FRED JOHNSTON</p> <p> </p> <p>FEBRUARY 29, 1952 – OCTOBER 9, 2021</p> <p> </p> <p>Was I loved? And, Did I love well?</p> <p>Most people’s epitaphs are written after they're gone but, leaving things to others has never really been my style. I would think that it hardly makes sense to change that now. My 69 years of life has been busy and productive with many personal trials and triumphs along the way. There's nothing like incurable illness to have a man take stock of his life, and this is particularly true for me having Parkinson’s disease. The continuous deterioration from this progressive nervous system disorder has left me debilitated at life’s end.</p> <p> </p> <p>I was born a leap year baby on February 29, 1952 in Ponoka, Alberta to Allan and Gwynneth Johnston. Growing up in an abusive home environment had me thankful for the love and support of family, especially my grandmothers providing a soft place to fall. I worked hard in making a better life for myself. After completing High School in Athabasca I went on to pursue and marry the love of my life Diana, and begin a career in Nursing. As times changed, so too did my role in life.</p> <p> </p> <p>My Darlin’ Diana and I have been married 48 years, and raised our five children in the Town of Athabasca. I believe in giving back to the community, and the most fulfilling jobs I held were a reflection of that. Through the years I was involved with many organizations in the greater Athabasca area. The most fulfilling accomplishments came with recognition for my time and dedication with: The Royal Life Saving Society of Canada; The Red Cross First Aid Program; and the Athabasca & Area Prevention of Relationship Abuse Action Committee (PRAAC).</p> <p> </p> <p>I loved vacationing with my family whether it be towing the old tent trailer behind the Dodge Caravan or hopping a plane to a tropical destination. Cherished are the memories of camping, sandy beaches, scuba diving, and worshiping the sun. The sound of steel drums, the smell of coconut oil and campfire smoke evoke the fond memories of good times with family and friends.</p> <p> </p> <p>My grandmother at her life’s end, posed the questions: “Was I loved?” and “Did I love well?” At my life’s end I know I was loved, and that I have loved well. I leave behind those who love me, and whom I have loved well: my wife Diana; son Dale (Julie) Rhett and Brooke Johnston; son Daryl (Kara) Aidan and Kieran Johnston; daughter Kate (Matt) Liam and Wynn Dery, and Brandon Nichol; son Garrett (Melissa) and Jacob Johnston; son Grahame and daughters Paige and Ava Johnston; daughter-in-law Ashley Johnston; sister Wendy Johnston; sister Brenda (Jim) Vergette; sister Rena (Tom) Stewart; sister-in-law Janice Johnston; brother-in-law Dennis Onyszchuk; sister-in-law Linda Onyszchuk; sister-in-law Elaine Freh (John Shelton); sister-in-law Janice Boutin; brother-in-law Robert (Mireille) Onyszchuk; along with numerous dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.</p> <p> </p> <p>In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:</p> <p> </p> <p>THRIVE – PRAAC – Athabasca, Alberta</p> <p> </p> <p>THRIVE is a program partnership of Healthy Families Healthy Futures and the Athabasca and Area Prevention of Relationship Abuse Action Committee. Healthy Families Healthy Futures. </p> <p> </p> <p> https://www.hfalberta.com/thrive-relationship-abuse-preventio </p> <p> </p>February 29, 1952 - October 9, 202102/29/195210/09/2021
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Ferne Kvill
May 9, 2022
Kelly will be missed by so many...especially his family. I worked with Kelly for many years when he was the Manager of the Athabasca Landing Pool. You couldnt find a nicer boss...everyone that worked there was like one big family and he was the head of it! We worked hard... Continue Reading
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Marilyn Kariel
October 17, 2021
Lots of prayers and sympathy on the loss of Kelly. I enjoyed being Kelly's lane swim buddy over the years.
Marilyn Kariel
Marilyn Kariel
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Les and Carole Meyer .
October 17, 2021
Our condolences to Diana and her family . We will always remember Kelly as a good neighbor .. I wish we would have got to know him better . A dedicated family man . ,. At the end a brave and courageous man . An act of love and caring that can never be duplicated. L&C .
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Dawn Guy
October 16, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to Diana and family. Kelly will be missed by so many.
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Belinda Hague
October 15, 2021
So sorry to hear this sad news. Kelly was a very nice man.
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Elisa (Sauer) Martin
October 14, 2021
My condolences to the family as Kelly will be missed.
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Eva Sale
October 13, 2021
I'm praying for the whole family. I worked with Kelly at the pool and he was, hands down, the best mentor and boss I ever had. He was an inspiration to us all to be the best lifeguards and teachers we could be. I will remember him and your family fondly. With kindest reg... Continue Reading
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Jeannine Sturges
October 13, 2021
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your memories comfort you all! Love U!
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Colleen Powell
October 13, 2021
Deepest sympathy Diana and family. I am so sorry to hear this. Kelly acted on his beliefs and I remember him not backing down in the face of unfairness. He was a lovely man.
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Heather Smith
October 13, 2021
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to Diana, and all the family.
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