Gilbert "Gil" Ronald Johnston's Obituary
Gilbert "Gil" Ronald Johnston August 15, 1934 - November 19, 2023
Gilbert "Gil" Ronald Johnston, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the age of 89. Born in Wright City, Oklahoma, Gil's journey took him from the sunny shores of Redondo Beach, California, to the communities of Klamath Falls, Springfield, Corvallis, and eventually to the heart of Portland.
After graduating from Klamath Falls High School in 1953 and studying at the University of Oregon, Gil served honorably in the Army National Guard and Reserves for eight years. Gil represented Pacific Power through the 1970s, 1980s and retired from the utility in 1990. In 1992, he represented Milestone Unlimited – a business training and consulting company with his wife, Bernice Johnston – and was elected president of the Portland Executives Association.
According to former Executive Director Rick Van Wyngarden, “Of all of Gil's lifetime activities, his membership with the Portland Executives Association was near the top.”
In 1954, Gil began his greatest adventure by eloping to Reno with his beloved Bernice Bullard. Their love story, spanning seven decades, was a testament to their unbreakable bond.
Gil's life was marked by a series of pioneering choices, from being one of the first to embrace marina life at RiverPlace to being an early adopter of downtown living in Portland. He had a knack for welcoming others into his orbit, leaving a lasting impression with his warm smile, kind words, and the joy he found in simple pleasures.
Remembered fondly by his Mirabella neighbors for his kindness and delightful nature, Gil's presence was a source of warmth and joy. His sense of humor and welcoming spirit made lasting friendships, where he was known as the man with the "great smile," always ready with cheerful words. His infectious smile, even shining through his eyes, brought light to many, and his stories of love for being on the water resonated with fellow enthusiasts.
Gil leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joy. He is survived by his wife Bernice; son Mark; sister Margaret; brother Danny; and a community that feels blessed to have known him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Chester; sisters Vivian and Jeanetta; and his son Michael.
As we bid farewell to Gil, we hold onto the memories of a man who was not just the heart of his family but also a beacon of positivity in his community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will continue to inspire.
At the suggestion of family and friends, and in honor of my father’s (Gil Johnston) recent passing, please consider contributing to the Michael A. Johnston Memorial Award: This endowment supports students with disabilities at the University of Oregon Law School. Our family established this annual award in 1983 after the untimely passing of my brother during his third year of law school. Despite his battle with leukemia, Michael's tenacity enabled him to meet the rigors of his studies, embodying the resilience and determination we seek to inspire in students today. Your donation honors Gil's memory and continues our family’s legacy of perseverance and inclusivity. Please join us in this meaningful tribute.
To donate, please visit the dedicated link to the Michael A. Johnston Memorial Award
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