Thomas Fredrick Johnston Sr.

Thomas Fredrick Johnston Sr., passed away in his sleep after a long illness on Nov. 13, 2004, at his son's residence in Kalispell.

Tom was born on March 27, 1925, in Penn Hills, Pa., the son of Thomas Johnston and Ida (Stein) Johnston. At an early age he and his sister were orphaned and needed to move to Pittsburgh to be raised by his aunt and uncle. Tom attended grade school, high school and Washington Trade School. While in junior high he met his only love, Jean Ewing.

Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy June of 1943. Other than basic training, Tom spent 2-1/2 years on board the DE198 (Lovelace) in the South Pacific. He was one of the original crew of the Lovelace (plank holder). During this time he engaged in many battles, including the Battle of Layte Gulf and the liberation of the Philippines. For this he was awarded three bronze stars.

After Tom's discharge, he married Jean in December of 1945. He soon began his career as a boiler fireman at creameries and high-rise office buildings in Pittsburgh.

In 1974, Tom and Jean moved to Montana to be closer to their grandchildren. He quickly started working part-time at Kalispell Regional Hospital, Baypoint Estates, and retired in 1991 at head custodian of Central School in Whitefish. In 1993 he retired from his second job as custodian of the Daily Inter Lake.

After retirement, Tom and Jean wintered in Key Largo, Fla. Soon Jean's health began to fail and he started his next career as caregiver.

Tom had many hobbies. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, building model ships and planes, and dabbling in Paint-by-Numbers artwork. He also enjoyed building a cabin in the Swan Valley and helping his son remodel their homes.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Stella; his wife, Jean, in December 2002; and his son, Paul, in November 2003.

Tom is survived by his son, Thomas F. Johnston Jr., and his wife, Terry, their children, Michelle Mitchell and her husband, Paul, of Kalispell, Jackie Johnston of Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Andrea Johnston of Kalispell, his late son's children, Christine Johnston, Lisa Johnston and Paul Johnston Jr., all of Pittsburgh, and daughter-in-law Peggy Johnston of Kalispell. He also has many nieces and nephews scattered throughout the United States.

At Tom's request there will not be a visitation or service. A private family burial will be conducted at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests that any memorials be made to the Dialysis Clinic patient fund or the Kalispell Hospice. There will be a small gathering of friends and family at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the home of Tom Johnston Jr.

"So long old sailor, we will miss you, but Jean and Paul are waiting for you."

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.