ASTOR LASALLE JOHNSTONE

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ASTOR LASALLE JOHNSTONE It is with deep sadness that the family of Astor LaSalle Johnstone announce his passing on September 2, 2010 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Members of his family were present when this phase of his journey ended. Astor was born in Wynyard, SK in 1917 and spent his entire life living in Winnipeg. He later attended a business college in Winnipeg which prepared him for his various positions with the CPR and finally the Canadian Freight Association (CFA), where he retired as Chief Weight Inspector. Astor is survived by his wife Patty of 37 years; son Jerry (Jan); son Wayne (Donna); stepson Tom Robinson (Connie); stepdaughter Paula Robinson, and grandchildren, Cheryl, Dean and Casey. He is also survived by brother Russell (Audrey); brother Victor (Lillian); sister Louise Simpkins; former sister-in-law Joyce Biccum, and by his extended family; sister-in-law Lainy (Leon) Rubin and brother-in-law Jeff (Lois) Black. Numerous nieces, nephews and their children, from both families, will remember Uncle Astor . Astor was the eldest son of parents, Jack and Gudrun (nee Arason) Johnstone. He was predeceased by his ex-wife Mary Johnstone (nee Biccum), daughter-in-law Janice Johnstone (nee Connon), brother-in-law Les Biccum; brother-in-law Clayton Simpkins and sister-in-law Marge Johnstone. Over a long life of over 93 years, Astor had fond memories of childhood summers at Winnipeg Beach, where his father ran the local bowling alley. In later years, while his children were growing up, he enjoyed many summers at Salt Lake with the Biccum and Fortune families. Astor was an avid and well known bowler for many years, in both five and 10 pin leagues. He was proud of his accomplishments in representing Winnipeg during numerous tournaments in western Canada. Later in life he became an active member of the Khartum Temple and enjoyed many years as a drummer in the Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps, where he made many new friends. He especially enjoyed marching with the full contingent in the Shrine Circus each year. Until very recently Astor looked forward to his monthly luncheons with his former co-workers from the CFA, and his regular billiard games with Kal Juvonen. Everyone who knew Astor would surely agree that a very loving and gentle person has left our midst. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered. He was a true gentleman. In accordance with Astor's wishes, there will be no formal service, however we extend an invitation to all family and friends to come together to celebrate Astor's life on Friday, September 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. in Fort Garry. A private interment will be held with family members at the Thomson In the Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Astor's name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society - Manitoba or to the Winnipeg Humane Society. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2010