Dennis Elwyn Johnston

Dennis Elwyn Johnston, age 82 years, passed away on Thursday, August 10^th, 2023 at the Notre Dame de Lourdes Health Center surrounded by his three daughters.  Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Tari (David) Faulkner, Jodi (Randy) Peyer, & Traci (Stan) McCutchin; and grandchildren Craig, Brent, Megan (Riley), Kyle, Erin (Grant), Eric & Ian. Dennis was born in Hamiota, Manitoba on November 28^th, 1940.

He attended teachers’ college in Winnipeg & Brandon, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree from Brandon University. He taught school for over 36 years, including elementary schools in Waskada, Brandon and Shilo, finishing his career teaching Math at the High School in Shilo. Dad was always involved with student activities throughout the years, including floor hockey games, various sporting events, clubs and school dances.

During his early teaching career, Dad met the love of his life on a blind date.  Dad’s favorite story was “your Mom could dance and we loved going to all the town dances, I knew then she was the one.” Dad and Mom were married for 58 years, making many life long friends.  Dad and Mom enjoyed family events, hosting many Christmas and Thanksgiving Dinners, camping trips, and spending time with their grandchildren!

In his early years, Dad was involved in many sports including hockey and baseball.  Dad refereed WHL games including the Wheat Kings for 7 years. Dad was inducted twice into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame, once for playing with the Men’s 7-Up fastball team, and once as a coach with the Ladies Pizza Place Fastball Team. During his years in Shilo and his retirement years in Brandon, Dad loved to curl.  He enjoyed both men’s and mixed curling and spent many hours at the rink. Dad also took great pride in coaching all 3 of his daughters during their high school volleyball years!

After retiring from teaching, Dennis was able to take on a dream position of guiding in the north for two years at Great Bear Lake at Plummers’ Lodge.  He was very proud of being voted the 2^nd best guide out of 20+ guides; most of them being 40 years younger than him.  One of his guests at Plummers offered him a job as the Head Manager at Scott Lake Lodge. Dad enjoyed managing the camp, hiring and helping the fishing guides and meeting guests entertaining them with his many “fish” stories.

Dad is predeceased by his Dad, Garnet Johnston, his Mom, Alice Smith Johnston, his wife Helen (Harrison) Johnston and his brother Herb Johnston.  Survived by his sisters Lawrie (Johnston) Bell, Lois Johnston and his brother Jack Johnston.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Dennis, we know he would love for everyone to take some time and enjoy the peace that nature offers! It was truly his great love! Donations can be made to your local Ducks Unlimited or your local Kidsport.

Celebration of Life to be held in Brandon, MB at a later date.   

 A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com