Sunrise: November 7, 1930 – Sunset: July 19, 2019
It is with great sadness we advise Donald Lewis Johnston passed away peacefully on July 19, 2019. Donald was born on November 7, 1930 to his parents Tommy “Toby’ & Isabel (nee: Cordocedo) Johnston in Vancouver, BC and descends from the Tom / Cordocedo & Hall / Johnston families of Squamish Nation. Earlier this year Donald suffered a stroke in his home on Capilano IR No. 5 and was admitted to Hospital and then Evergreen House. Sadly he was unable to return home.
Donald attended St. Paul’s Indian Residential School in North Vancouver and like many he picked hops in USA where he eventually settled and lived there for a time. Donald was a working man - Jack of all Trades; he fished/trolled in Alaska, was a logger, worked in waste management and also did co-op gardening. He had a special knack for gardening and had an incredible collection of birdhouses, antique statues and collectibles. He can best be remembered for his great sense of humour, story-telling and memorable adventures. In his later years Donald began to revisit his youth and would share his memories of longhouse, shake, culture and traditions. He was a spiritual man with immense faith.
Donald is survived by his children Daryl (Laura), Donna (Brian); grandchildren Raymond (Delilia), Naomi, Teresa, Brandon, Elaine, great grandchildren Lucinda, Mallory, Patrick, Leila, Joshua; great great grandchildren Bernadine; stepchildren Clementine (Alex), Elphina, Geraldine, Diane, Adam; brother Harold; special nephew Larry; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
A prayer service will be held on Wednesday July 24, 2019 at 7:00 pm; a funeral service will also be held on Thursday July 25 at 10:00 am both at Squamish Nation Shaker Church, 104 Mathias Road, North Vancouver, BC
On-line condolences can be found at www.dignitymemorial.ca
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18