Obituary of Keith Spencer Johnston

Keith Spencer Johnston October 18, 1944 - December 12, 2018 Keith Spencer Johnston passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Invermere & District Hospital on December 12, 2018. Keith grew up in Edgeware, England and was proud of his Scottish heritage. He was a passionate and skilled athlete and played many sports. Among them were soccer, cricket, rugby, tennis and golf. He joined Mill Hill Rugby Football Club in 1959 and played on the top team for 15 years. He was club captain in 1973 as well as represented Middlesex II Club. A highlight for Keith was his appearance for Mill Hill in the finals of the Middlesex Sevens tournament at the age of 22. He emigrated to Canada in 1976 and began his engineering career at Montreal Engineering Company in Calgary. Keith worked in the Alberta oil and gas industry for more than 35 years making many good friends throughout his career. Regular visits to the Point & Feather, James Joyce and the rugby club with his friends were among the happiest times of his life. Annual family reunions, Christmas get-togethers and trips to tropical destinations were some of Keith's most cherished memories. He was always a very proud and supportive champion for his family. In the end, he handled his illness with grace and courage. Keith will be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his love of a good pint, single malt scotch and Mark Knophler (whom he was obsessed with!) Keith was truly a unique person who lived life on his own terms and did so with love and laughter. So when you think of him, we hope you do so with a smile on your face and memories of happy times spent. Keith is survived by his wife, Bonnie "Sweet pea," and was a loving father to Luke (Anna), Nick (Samantha), Alexandra and Scott. He was granddad to Lara, Tristan, Gabriel and Brighton. Keith is predeceased by his parents William Robert and Emily Rose and his cousin and close friend, Rosalind Winch. The family would like to thank Dr. John Kelly in Calgary for his outstanding care of Keith earlier this year. We also wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to the palliative care unit in Invermere, BC and in particular, Dr. Gareth Mannheimer for his compassionate, patient and genuine care as it gave Keith's passing an exceptional level of respect and dignity. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Keith Johnston to the: East Kootenay Foundation For Health, and please specify the funds are to go to the Invermere & District Hospital Palliative Care Room 6 & 7 or phone 250-489-6481 and ask for Erin. A celebration of life will be held in the New Year. Details to be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com