Obituary of William Glen Johnston

September 1, 1933 - Mossbank, Saskatchewan
June 22, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Airman Geologist Councillor 

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather at the age of 89 years. He was a remarkable human being, and he will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.

Glen leaves behind his loving wife Arlene of almost 66 years; his sister Roxena; son Dr. Kelly Ross Johnston (Susan); daughter Rae Arlene Ellis (Ron); and two grandsons, Daniel Lester Ellis (Ina Popovic) and Christopher Glen Ellis (Kassidy Czerniak); as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, First World War veteran, Thomas George Lester Johnston of Pakenham, Ontario; by his mother Bella Watson of Dalesboro, Saskatchewan; and by his brothers, Donald (Eleanor) and Garth (Dorothea).

After graduating from Red Deer Composite High School, he spent five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He followed this with a BSc in Geology from the University of Alberta, graduating in 1962. This led to 28 years as a production geologist with Mobil Oil Canada. Shortly after retirement, a successful campaign led to two terms as councillor with the City of Calgary.

Glen's interest in his Johnston family was reinforced by four consecutive summertime train trips, while in junior high school, to live with his two bachelor uncles on their farm in the Ottawa Valley. That led him to write, edit and publish a family history called rocks, stones or old bones. Later, as president of the Canadian Club of Calgary, he researched and documented the 100-year history of the Club.

Glen saw and experienced all that was necessary to make his life complete: celebrating the 2000 millennium with his wife and family at the Chateau Lake Louise, observing the wonders of Stonehenge, renting a villa in Tuscany with friends, taking a trip Down Under, and visiting the Commonwealth war graves and Vimy Ridge. He was a life-long fan of contract bridge, curling, golfing at Heritage Pointe, and hiking in the foothills and Rocky Mountains with annuitant friends of Mobil Oil Canada. Highlights were hikes to Sunshine Meadows, Lake O’Hara, and Mt. Assiniboine. 

Glen was a very generous donor to various charities. He was a passionate supporter of the Calgary Foundation.

All Glen needed to become a compassionate, productive citizen of Canada he learned in Sunday School. He was particularly attracted to the wisdom of St. Luke.

Ask, and it shall be given you;
Seek, and ye shall find;
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed here.

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