Obituary of Lynn Stanley Johnston

March 25, 1950 – Ottawa, Ontario

July 2, 2024 – Cochrane, Alberta

Lynn Johnston of Cochrane, AB, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the age of 74 years.

He was born March 25, 1950, in Ottawa, ON, but grew up in the nearby community of Navan on the family farm.

Lynn moved west and settled in Calgary. He worked a variety of jobs before settling on long-haul trucking. This career took him across Canada and the US, but he never tired of the driving. The West Coast was his favourite to travel through. He moved around a little, but in 2001 he settled in Winnipeg, MB, and it is here that he met his wife, Janice. In 2019 the happy couple moved to Cochrane, AB.

Lynn enjoyed life. As a child and teenager, you would often find him playing hockey with siblings and friends or out riding on horseback. He also worked on the farm, feeding and milking the cows, not to mention all the other chores associated with farm life. Still, he found time in his teenage years for barn dances, shooting pool with friends, and fast cars!

Lynn loved meeting new people. He would chat you up anywhere and anytime. Everyone who met Lynn remembered him. He always leaves an impression! Aside from being incredibly social, he was a talented poker player and the winner of several tournaments. We think this was just an excuse to meet more people.

He had a particular love of Western movies and books. I think they reminded him of his childhood home. He would BBQ at the drop of a hat! Too hot? Too cold? Too rainy? Too bad! Pass the steaks! Lynn especially loved to go to the lake on weekends. Being outdoors, be it boating or sitting by the fire pit, filled him with peace. He found the same sort of catharsis in his epic motorcycle rides with his friends.

Board and card games with neighbours and friends were a predictable favourite pastime, but Lynn was no slouch on the dance floor! He favoured country music but he was pretty much up for anything. The only time he deviated from his mantra of “try it all, try it often” was when he tried bobsledding on the Calgary Olympic Park track. “Once was enough”, he said.

Lynn had a heart of gold. He was a kind soul who brought laughter and joy to all he met. All our hearts break to have lost you, Lynn. You will be forever loved and remembered. You live on in our hearts, and in the stories and photos of you we share. For those of us who knew and loved you, we are a little less now that you are gone.

Lynn is survived by his wife Janice, his three sons, William of Hammond, ON, Jeremy of Calgary, AB, and Chad (Rose) of Westerose, AB; six grandchildren, Katelyn, Brittany, Austin, Sydney, and Madison of Ontario, and Asia of Edmonton, AB.

Lynn is also survived by his brother Lorne (Diane) of Orleans, ON, and his two sisters, Sharen (Donnie) of Orleans, ON, and Lynda of Calgary, AB. Lynn was also blessed with, and bragged about, his eight great-grandchildren and an ever-expanding list of amazing nieces and nephews!

Lynn was predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and Norman Johnston.

Oh Lynn… I thought I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with you. Then I realized you spent the rest of your life - with me. I know you loved me until the day you went away and that will forever make me smile.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Lynn’s family here.

In living memory of Lynn Johnston, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.