Eric B. Johnston, Jr, DO. Born 8/13/25 in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario. Son of Dr. and Mrs. Eric B. Johnston of Toronto. He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Barbara Anne (Boehm) in 2010, whom he met after the navy in 1947 at the University of Toronto as a chemistry lab partner.
He leaves his beloved daughter, Anne Margaret Thieda (Brian) of Rochester Hills, and grandsons, Alec (Katie Herold) of Sylvania, OH, and Chris of Royal Oak; daughter-in-law, Satomi Johnston of Torrence, CA, and granddaughter, Lisa Johnston (Enzo Caffalerri) and day old great grandson; daughter, Mary Miller and grandchildren, Jacob and Sarah of North Bend, WA. In addition, he leaves behind his faithful companion, Jolie, who remained at his bedsite until the end.
He attended Upper Canada College, Toronto through 3 years BA, post war at the University of Toronto, attended Roosevelt University in Chicago for Organic Chemistry, and graduated Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He enlisted in the Canadian Navy 1944 and remained in the Reserve until 1947.
He and his family moved from Toronto to Rochester in 1965 where he established a family practice in Utica until his retirement in 1995. He served for many years as a Deputy Medical examiner and had the first medical case admitted to the new Crittenton Hospital in August 1967.
He loved the waterways of the Great Lakes. Having grown up in the “Soo”, he would spend hours explaining the details of each passing freighter that went by his cottage on the St. Clair River. He was the original “Boat Nerd”.
He enjoyed developing many friendships in the community through his church, St Philips, and the OPC, and in recent times, the comfort and security of the Sanctuary of Bell Brook. He hosted the weekly Interesting Men’s Club (aka the Romeo’s-Really Old Men Eating Out) lunches for the past 11 years.
He was a gifted artist and painter, lover of animals, gardening, and Scottish pipes and drums. He was a welcome addition to a dinner party with his wit and tidbits of wisdom. It was hard to leave a conversation with him, not learning something new or feeling better about yourself.
He was a wise and caring man, a loving husband, father and grandfather and he touched many hearts. He always was grateful to others and thanked everyone for all that they did for him. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He was cremated. Memorial service at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 100 Romeo St., in Rochester at 11:00 am on Friday, August 14th, 2020. Please register for the service at https://onrealm.org/StPhilipsEpisco/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTVjNmU3M2MtMTk3MS00NjhiLThlMTItYWJmYTAwZThlY2Yz
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