REV. CANON JOHN (JACK) J. T. JOHNSTONE

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REV. CANON JOHN (JACK) J. T. JOHNSTONE February 25, 1921 - August 17, 2007 The Rev. Canon John (Jack) J. T. Johnstone passed away on Friday, August 17, 2007 with his family by his side. Jack leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Helen, of 50 years; son Dale of Cloverdale, BC, (Jenny and Alain), daughter Debbie of Winnipeg, (Bob, Michael and Christina). Jack was born in Northumberland, England and grew up in a small coal mining community. As a boy he was active in sports and the Boy Scout organization. In 1941 at the age of 18, he volunteered for service as air crew in the Royal Air Force. After training in England, Canada and the United States, he received his Pilot's Wings in Terrell, Texas. After completing operational training in England, he flew on war time operations in Europe and South East Asia and was stationed in Rangoon, Burma when the war ended. After returning to England, he took social work training in London and worked for several years in the Dr. Bernardo's Children's Organization. Part of that time was spent working with delinquent youths in the East End of London. In 1953, Jack came to Canada to take theological training at Emmanuel College in Saskatoon. While at college, he worked part time with the Children's Aid society of Saskatoon. Jack met Helen while both were living there and they married in 1957. Jack was ordained in the Anglican Church in 1958 and worked for nine years on Indian Reserves in Saskatchewan. While working with Aboriginal people, he made a study of Native customs and language and spoke the Cree language fluently. In 1965, they moved to Winnipeg where Jack worked as executive director of a treatment centre for troubled youths. Throughout this period Jack served as an Honorary Assistant Priest in various city churches. In 1981, he was appointed Rector of the parish of All Saints where he served until 1989. In 1990, he was appointed Priest in Charge of St. John's Cathedral. His last full time position was as Priest in Charge of St Andrew's in Woodhaven. Throughout his ministry, Jack continued to enjoy flying and often flew into remote Northern Communities to perform services. Jack received several awards in his lifetime including the Order of Canada for his work with disadvantaged youth and the City of Winnipeg Community Service Award for his role in organizing several Commonwealth Wartime Aircrew reunions. Jack was past president of the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association and also a member of the Hump Pilot's Association. Both Jack and Helen were accomplished musicians and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. In his later years, Jack spent much time enjoying his family and as he put it, spoiling his grandchildren of whom he was very proud. A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held Thursday, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. at St Andrew's Church in Woodhaven. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Rest in Peace Dad, you are home now.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2007