KENNETH JOHNSTONE (KEN)

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JOHNSTONE, Kenneth (August 4, 1935 - August 25, 2021). We are saddened to announce the passing of Kenneth "Ken" Johnstone, who passed away of August 25, 2021 at the age of 86. Born in Campbellton, Scotland, Ken grew up in Dumbarton, north of Glasgow. During the Second World War, the town's shipyards were heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe, forcing the Johnstones to find refuge for a time in Northern Ireland. After finishing his apprenticeship as a millwright, Ken immigrated to Winnipeg in 1957. Eventually settling in Brandon, he was employed by Manitoba Hydro at the Brandon Generating Station. An avid swimmer and cyclist, bodybuilder and accomplished artist, it's no surprise that Ken fell in love with Vancouver after his first visit, moving to the city a year later. On June 17, 1958, Ken was working as a lifeguard under the Second Narrows Bridge being constructed between Vancouver and North Vancouver, when the span suddenly collapsed. That tragic day, 79 people plunged into the ocean leaving 18 dead and many more seriously injured, Ken heroically rescued three of them. He was never commended, nor did he want to be, "I was just doing my job," he always said. Ken returned to the UK, serving as a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy. He sailed between Britain and South America several times - after completing his service, he made his way back to Canada. In 1970, he met his lifelong friend Chuck Boroditsky (Emma). Never married, Ken became a part of the Boroditsky family and much-adored uncle to nephews, Louis (Dan), Sam and Joel. "Uncle Kenny" will be dearly missed - thank you for teaching us about great thinkers like Da Vinci, but also how to appreciate the simple beauty of paint splatter. Thank you for your recitals of Shakespeare and your detailed knowledge of the Tour De France. But most of all, thank you for your stories, as they inspired us to seek adventures of our own. We love you, and every year as per our tradition, we will raise a glass to you - and the Queen Mother.

Respectfully submitted by his Brandon friend, Garry Miller

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 24, 2021