Dr. Johnnie Johnston

Johnnie Warren Johnston was born in 1932 and raised in Santa Monica California. Born into a musical family, he was known as the favorite soprano in the children's choir and later developed great skills as a saxophonist. He later played the piano, ukulele, banjo and guitar. He had a beautiful voice and eventually joined forces and had his own band, singing and playing local gigs from Santa Monica on up the coast. He used these skills to put himself through UC Berkeley and to raise his young family. He became one of the best loved dentists in La Jolla and in Sun City.

He was one of the original surfers on the southern California coast along with old friend Les 'Birdman" Williams, and many well-known surfers from the early 50's and 60's. He began fishing off the dock in Santa Monica as a young teenager in the late 40's and 50's. That became another lifelong passion. He bought a fishing boat, the Alacrans, then fished commercially in San Diego, particularly swordfish.

He joined the navy in 1952 during the Korean conflict and was sent to Hawaii where he continued his love for surfing on his off days. He was close to becoming a navy pilot , a great love of his, but circumstances put him in the position of dental technician. This inspired him to become a full-fledged dentist. This did not stop him from learning how to fly and having his own planes.

He married in the early 50's and began his family of Kristi, Bryan, and Lacy.

He moved eventually to San Diego area, as close to ocean as he could get, where he and his wife raised their children. By the 80's his business and life was thriving with more adventures. After a divorce, Dr. Johnston spent many years enjoying his active travel life, going to Chile to catch big trout, and many many years at his home on Sea of Cortes in Baja near Loreto.

Dr. Johnnie loved life tremendously and was always ready for another adventure. He loved boats, planes, cars and drove them all well. He skied many times on mammoth mountain and other ski areas in the west. He excelled in all pursuits. He lived a big life and did it well.

He continued all his adventures for the next 30 years with the love of his life, Gale. They would only be home a few days before it was pack up and go again.

Dr. Johnnie had a humorous and mischievous side to his personality. He was full of stories about his adventures. So many tales. So many movies!

He leaves behind his wife Gale Johnston, and his three adult children, Kristi Johnston, Brian Johnston, Lacy Rathbun, (Richard) and two grandchildren Ryan and Milo. He also leaves behind many friends who loved him dearly for his generosity, his humor, his personality, his kindness, his grace and his most brilliant and active mind. He was a true renaissance man.