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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
JOHNSTON, Thomas William
Tom's version of his obituary:
We are so sad to report the passing of Tom after a 4 year battle with COPD at the Dartmouth General Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents,Pat and Glenna (Thomas) Johnston and brother Bill.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Judith (nee Alexander), brother-in-law David and his wife Dawn.
Born in Arvida PQ in 1944 he attended Avrion Technical Institute of Montreal and worked in Montreal for awhile, then joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1963 and met and married Judy in 1972. He served on a number of Royal Canadian Navy ships on the East coast and shore based facilities and then retired in 1988. Continuing to live in Dartmouth he worked out of Montreal for Paramax on the Canadian Frigate program until 1992. He returned to Dartmouth to work at Eduplus until he fully retired in 1999. He was a number cruncher and enjoyed following the stock market and the CBC and world events.
The family wishes to thank Dr, Robert Oliver, Dr. Landry and all the wonderful doctors who helped him at the Dartmouth General Hospital. Also the compassionate nurses, especially of 5 East who were so good to him.
Celebration of Life with Judy will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NS,PEI Lung Assoc, Dartmouth General Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Judith's version of Tom's obituary:
Tom was a gentle, thoughtful, caring man with a great sense of humour. His definition of grounds for divorce was if the household ran out of Kraft crunchy peanut butter. He loved nature. In our Waverley home of 36 years he fed the birds, squirrels, and the chipmunk that sat on the toe of his boot waiting to get his lunch. What he didn’t anticipate was that not unloading the 25 pounds of black sunflower seeds immediately from his trunk would lead to a squirrel locating it and inviting his friends and family to the overnight party. No vacuum could get all those loose seeds so they kept visiting until they were all gone.
The move to Dartmouth was made in 2011 when it was time to get off the hill and be closer to shops, library and hospitals. The move to Portland Hills proved to be a good choice with great neighbours and evolving friendships.
In 2020 his COPD took over and Tom was on oxygen 24/7. He never complained from then to his passing. He discovered U-tube and foods, chefs and restaurants from around the world. My meals suddenly looked inadequate.. HIs favourite choice of all those was a triple layered cheese, fried bread and bologna sandwich with all the condiments loaded on board. He dreamed of it and could almost taste it and would describe it with enthusiasm when he woke up.
There are many to thank that helped so that he could live comfortably at home for over four years, with a few hospital visits here and there .RT's Chris and Cat, Holly from Inspire, Michelle, his barber, Barb for foot care, and many others added support. It takes a Village for many things and it was a blessing to have them with him on his journey and he was thankful for each and every one of them and let them know he appreciated them. He loved and was loved. That is a great legacy to leave behind for his family. (A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home)
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