David Alexander Johnston

David was born in Vancouver on January 5, 1944, to parents Alexander and Evelyn Johnston. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, David encountered numerous physical and mental challenges throughout his lifetime but faced them all with unfailing spirit, determination and good humour.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he bravely survived the abuses at the infamous Woodlands institution in New Westminster. A profound change in David’s life occurred in 1966 when he moved on to a better life in Victoria. There, he met Paul Best, who was to become a trusted friend and played a major role in ensuring David found the support he needed. David lived in various residences in Victoria with the support of Community Living Victoria, the L’Arche community and Hi We Care.

In 1990, David settled into a home share arrangement with Mike Sheffield, who was to become his close friend. During his 15 years with Mike, David enjoyed a variety of activities, including bocce, swimming, travelling around B.C. to visit friends or to volunteer for the B.C. Summer Games. He delighted in singing in a choir, trekking every year to Camp Homewood on Quadra Island, and going on cruises to Alaska. David was known to love a good joke, a good meal, and especially a good cup of strong coffee.

David later moved into the home of Lora Church and Jason Falk, who diligently looked after David’s growing needs as he entered his seventies. In his final years, he was provided the utmost support, love and kindness by the caregivers at Maryland House in Sidney. There he spent his days watching classic movies and TV programs to his heart’s content, catching up by phone with his brother Andrew and with his endless list of friends while greatly enjoying regular outings and activities at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam Centre.

David was extremely devoted to his Christian faith and supported greatly by their community. In the 1960’s David attended the West Vancouver Baptist Church and continued with his involvement in the Vancouver based Joy Fellowship Church. In Victoria, David attended the Central Baptist Church and more recently was a member of the Gateway Baptist Church.

David was a strong voice and early leader in B.C. for self-advocacy for people with disabilities. He served on the board of directors for People First BC and Action Committee Victoria and generously contributed his time as a volunteer with Hi We Care, Our Place Society and Community Living Victoria. David was not shy and wherever he went, he attracted new friends drawn to his inquisitive mind, gregarious nature and genuine interest in other people.

David was predeceased by his parents and his brother Kenneth Johnston. He is survived by his loving brother Andrew Johnston (Kim) and sister Vera Rich.

David’s family wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and befriended him throughout his many happy years in Victoria. David’s legacy will remain with those whose lives were touched by him and he will be dearly missed more than he would ever know.

David will be honoured at a celebration of life at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 12th at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1155 Fort Street, Victoria with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, David’s wishes were that donations be given to any of these three organizations: Our Place Society, Joy Fellowship or Gateway Baptist Church.