- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
PAUL ALLAN RUSSELL JOHNSTON
Date of Passing: Mar 08, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPAUL ALLAN RUSSELL JOHNSTON (1931-2016) A life dedicated "To Protect and To Serve" In the last hour of March 8, Paul Johnston, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Paul was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Millicent, his siblings Jim, Ted and Rose, his parents-in-law Gilbert (Gambo) and Irene Robinson, brother-in-law Duke, sisters-in-law Virginia and Jen. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his wife Joan and five children John (Alrene), Tom (Brenda), Melodie (Marty), Ted (Pat), Steve (Jacquie) and daughter-in-law Trish. His awesome grandchildren Sean, Kayla, Paul, Tommy, Dustin, Melanie, Martin, Jason, Brandy, Aaron, Arlen, Julia, Amie, Scott, Jered and their spouses/partners, his wonderful great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by his close nephew Bob (Brenda) Check, his sisters-in-law Shirl Robinson and Pat Johnston, Uncle Don and Lydia Robinson, dear friends Mel Myers, Joe Gallagher, Clive Derham, Donnie Rutledge, Jake MacDonald, Gord Sinclair, and special neighbors Maurice, Diane and their children. Paul was born in St. James and was the youngest of six children. He met his wife Joan (Tiny) at the tender age of 15 when they became sweethearts and have shared life's journey ever since. He was a very strong-willed young man, determined to earn a living on his own terms. He proudly told the story of celebrating his sixteenth birthday hundreds of feet under the ground as a hard-rock miner in Sudbury, Ontario where he labored and lived from 1948-1953. Paul and Joan raised their family in East Kildonan with both discipline and humor, always instilling life's important values. Paul had a distinguished career with the Winnipeg Police Service. He served as a dedicated and exceptional member of the force from 1954-1991. Over the course of 37 years, Paul moved through the ranks as Constable, Detective, Detective Sergeant,, Sergeant of Detectives (Crime Division), Staff Inspector of Juvenile Division, Staff Inspector of Major Crime, Executive Assistant to the Chief, Superintendent of Personnel and Training, Superintendent District 6, retiring as the Deputy Chief of Police. Once of his proudest moment in 1984 was being voted by his peers as their first choice to be the next Chief of Police. While in court, Paul was well respected by many city and provincial judges and lawyers for his diligence and exceptional police work. He shared his expert advice with law enforcement departments nationally and internationally. Other notable highlights in his career included involvement in the creation of the Police and Pal program, being instrumental in creating in the James Toal Award of Excellence that honors exemplary young police officers, serving as President of the Winnipeg Police Senior Officer's Association, and serving on many job and community related boards and committees. Post-retirement for Paul was not laid back. He continued his public service as a Commissioner of Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Board for ten years until 2015. In his lifetime Paul was an avid learner, a Good Samaritan and community activist. His presence always commanded attention and respect. He was a licensed pilot for small aircraft, had a passion for anything automotive and mechanical, enjoyed gardening, respect for nature and an unconditional love of animals. He always said, "I never met a dog I didn't like." Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Victoria Hospital for their enduring patience, compassionate care and professionalism. No formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to your favorite charity. Desjardins 204- 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 12, 2016
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
-
Rest in peace Mr. Johnston. - Posted by: Laurie Munson (Friend of family.) on: May 28, 2016
-
I met Paul 40 years ago, he was my grandfather! As far back as I could remember he was a mans man, large in size 6' plus with a deep voice and big hands. He filled the door way at my Nana's house when he would come in. He was the head of my family and his presence demanded respect. He had a passion for cars. For him it must have just been a distraction from the stress of his career. I remember 1989 as I stored an old Camaro in Nana's garage. A passion too I inherited, He would come out back and talk to me as I turned wrenches in my hopes to get it running, he had tips and advice and all the contacts you may need but grease on your hands was good he'd say. Do it yourself little hard work never hurt no one. I wondered if being a policeman too put the smile I saw that day on his face. For when I saw him on tv growing up, cleaning up our streets he was all business , a cop, one of the city's top cops..... That always made me proud! He was a big deal I'd think to myself about him, kinda cool like a super hero and just like them he to would turn into someone else AKA George we called him not sure why but it just was. Maybe it was his tough job, persona he felt was to much for us grandkids or maybe he just liked the name George.. Lol either way he told bad jokes, wore paper crowns on his head at holidays, he had nick names for most of us and always smiled.A softer side I'm sure not all he met had the privilege to see!!! But I did and that more than ever is what I choose to remember!!! Love you George - Posted by: Jason Nienhuis (Grandson) on: Mar 24, 2016
-
RIP Paul - Posted by: Jill Dowson (Friend) on: Mar 24, 2016
-
Paul was always interested in cars. Later when he could afford Cadillac was his brand. On Talbot then Regent then onto Main, Paul would come by before or after work, to visit his good friend Julian owner of Westbrook Autobody. Dressed in his suit and tie his head would be under the hood of a car or helping hang a door ect. Or under the frame machine with my dad like two school kids having fun straightening a frame of a vehicle. He was an excellent mechanic. The two of them would go for lunch together and some poor sole would ask them for money for food, they would bring the person to the restaurant and buy them a meal. Paul as a Policeman was well respected and liked, many of the people he helped with police matter thank him even the ones he had arrested. Police and Pal... Paul, Robin Parker and other officers would bring troubled youth to the shop and along with my father would teach them to rebuild a vehicle. His trade mark was his cheery friendly witty humorous way. Paul and Joan (Mrs Johnston) Children reflected their parents in so many ways. - Posted by: Raymond Buors (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2016
-
I met Paul through my husband who was also a policeman. They had remained friends and Paul did Peter's obit at his funeral. Paul called me on a regular basis and I will miss those friendly chats. Winnipeg has lost a great citizen. - Posted by: Patricia VanderGraaf (friend) on: Mar 14, 2016
-
Joan, We are very saddened to hear of Paul's passing. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. Larry & Donna Rogers Greensboro NC - Posted by: Larry & Donna Rogers (Friends of the Johnston family) on: Mar 14, 2016
-
It is with sadness that we learned of Paul's passing. Paul was a special friend to my wife and I as well as the Winnipeg Police Revolver Club. Paul was instrumental in helping the club with new technology for the range and was always there for support. You will be missed. - Posted by: Claude Labossiere (Friend) on: Mar 14, 2016
-
I first met Paul about 15 to 16 years ago, out walking my dog. He was so kind to her. We would often stop at his house for a visit, some pets and a few a carrots. Our second dog Bella, loved "The Candy Man" for his pocket was always full of treats. I remember how pleased he was when he got Sheba as pup. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Paul, you will be sadly missed by me and by all the people in the neighborhood. God's speed. - Posted by: Cathy Nevakshonoff-Benoit (Friend) on: Mar 13, 2016
-
I was a glass shop manager in the 70s and did some work for the police and pals, on a car they were restoring. We waived the charge, and Paul became a good friend. More than once he helped me in return. I left Wpg in 1980, but I always cherished my memories of Paul and all the people involved in the Police and Pals club. - Posted by: Warren MacMurchy (Friend in the 70s) on: Mar 13, 2016
-
My father-in-law was more than the patriarch of this family. He had integrity. He was a born leader. He was kind. He was so much to so many. He was someone we all turned to for advice or counsel when we just needed someone with more courage and strength of character than what we had. Even though there will be a big void in this family now, he will always remain close in our hearts. Our memories of him are plentiful and will continue to fill us with humor and love. Just relax now Pops and enjoy paradise. - Posted by: Pat Johnston (daughter-in-law) on: Mar 13, 2016
-
I will miss our conversations and our dinners at the Keg with Ted and Steve. I will always cherish the friendship that has evolved over the past twenty plus years. I am honored to have had you as a very good friend. You and your family will never be far from my thoughts. - Posted by: Donnie Rutledge (Friend) on: Mar 13, 2016
-
The change of seasons always seems like a good time to get together with old friends and a few days ago I was thinking, "I better call Paul because we're overdue for a lunch at Rae and Jerry's." What a fine, decent and loyal man he was - never a thought for himself, (except to stick up for what he believed in) and always making sure his friends were included. So it's like losing a member of the family as well as a friend. So long Paul, and thanks for being a pal. - Posted by: Jake MacDonald (Friend) on: Mar 12, 2016
-
I had the privilege of working with Paul as a member of the Winnipeg Police Service. He was a natural born leader who commanded respect by his actions and the respect that the members had for him. He was an old time detective who worked hard every day. My condolences to all of Paul's family. Rest In Peace Paul, Ron Dawson - Posted by: Ron Dawson (co-worker and friend) on: Mar 12, 2016
