Murray passed away peacefully at the Queensway Carleton Hospital at the age of 87. Murray leaves behind his beloved wife Joan (Aitchison) of 63 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Janice Tarling (Kent Tarling) and Jenny Janes and his grandchildren; Pte. Jamie Tarling, Kameron Tarling, Kaitlin Janes and Grace Janes. Dear son of the late Edgar and Annie Evelyn Johnston and brother of the late Pal Johnston, he is survived by his brother Dr. Laurence Johnston in Vancouver. Murray will be remembered by his sister-in-law Mary Johnston and nieces and nephews: Catherine, Gordon, Ross, Mandy, Megan, Sara and their families.
Murray was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1933. A graduate of Royal Roads/Royal Military College of Canada (1956) and of the Canadian Army Staff College (1967). Murray was a Registered Professional Engineer and held a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan. He served as a Regular Force officer, RCEME from 1952 to 1983. From 1983 to 1991 he was the Director of the National Emergency Agency for Energy in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, as well as the Canadian Representative to the NATO Petroleum Planning Committee. Appointed EME Colonel Commandant in 1991, he held the appointment for 13 years until May 15, 2004.
His postings included: Director Support Vehicles Engineering and Maintenance (NDHQ), Director of Program Plans and Team Leader in the DEVIL Maintenance System Working Group, Commanding Officer 202 Workshop Depot, the Region Commander in the Mekong Delta with the International Commission for Control and Supervision (Vietnam 1973), Senior Staff Officer Maintenance within Headquarters Mobile Command, Ottawa Militia District as GSO1, 4 Field Workshop(RCEME) in Germany as Recovery Platoon Officer and 2IC, test engineer on the Bobcat and M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carriers with the Land Engineering Test Establishment, Commanding Officer 2 RCHA Light Aid Detachment, and the Control Officer within 213 Workshop (RCEME) in Winnipeg.
Murray was a Past-President of the Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada, the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, and the EME Association and was a former Vice-Chairman of the Conference of Defence Associations. From 1997 to 2008 he was a Director of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa. Also, he was a member of Branch 616 of the Royal Canadian Legion, a volunteer guide at the Canadian War Museum, President of the RCEME Association, and the EME Branch Historian. He researched and wrote two books on the RCEME history: Canada’s Craftsman - The story of Corps of RCEME and the LORE branch and Canada’s Craftsmen at 50 - story of the EME Branch up to the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Corps of RCEME. He was also the driving force behind the creation of the EME Honour Roll (now the RCEME Book of Remembrance) which documents the grave sites of all the RCEME personnel killed in the line of duty.
In 2002 he was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medallion, a recommendation of the Royal Canadian Legion for his work on behalf of veterans and remembrance. In 2003, at the request of the EME soldiers in Bosnia, he was awarded a NATO SFOR medal in recognition of his 10 trips to the Balkans, including Croatia, Kosovo and Bosnia to visit them. On October 25, 2004, the Governor General awarded him the Meritorious Service Medal in the military division. In 2005 at the age of 72, he completed for the fifth time the grueling four-day 160 kilometer Nijmegen Marches as part of the Canadian Military Contingent. Murray received the Order of St. George (one of his most prized commendations) in 2015. In 2019, Murray was nominated as a Leader and Trailblazer of the RCEME Corps for his significant commitment and contributions. His plaque is in the RCEME Museum, Kingston, Ontario.
In his much deserved retirement years Murray loved to travel the world with Joan, garden, read and spend time with family and friends. We wish you peace Dad and know that you are loved!
Murray will be laid to rest with Military Honours at the National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions funeral guests will be strictly limited. We wish to invite friends and family to view the service by means of livestream, on Thursday, October 29th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.. Please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0E84fWwkQ8uVs7nybKNoug to pre-register. Please note the interment will also be live streamed with the link posted here 90 minutes prior to the start of the interment held on Thursday, October 29th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated in Murray’s memory to the RCEME Museum, Kingston, Ontario or the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario.
Digital Guestbook
WO, Joshua Clowe. RCEME
WO Tim Franz
Thank you for your efforts and inspiring numerous generations at all rank levels of the Corps. Your legacy will live on for future generations to admire and attempt to emulate.
Arte et Marte Sir.
David Beyea, LCol (Ret'd)
A true gentleman who inspired several generations of RCEME technicians and officers. In his long tenure as Colonel Commandant, and even in the years after, he set a standard against which his successors continue to measure themselves. Rest in Peace. Arte et Marte.
Les Gardner
Murray, you are part of the history of what RCEME and the CF has been about. I remember you appreciating the artwork I donated to you, and the corps, of the new Maintenance facility in Wainwright, AB so long ago. MAny years later, you told me you had still it on your office wall. Respect Sir! Arte et Marte
Doug Knight
Farewell, Murray.
The Corps owes you a debt that it could never repay. You gave us back our self-respect. You gave us our history and heritage, and laid the foundation of our modern esprit-de-corps. And you saved the Army - you killed the Bobcat!
While I live, you will not be forgotten.
Steven Dacey
As a RCEME soldier who saw Col Johnston throughout my career many times I am saddened by his passing. My wife and I have spoken of his memory and attention to detail many times. He is the standard of which all Col Cmdts are judged by.
His passion and love of our Corps was unabashed and undeniable to anyone who met him.
In short we loved him because he so deeply loved us.
God’s speed to you Sir and my condolences to his immediate family.
MWO Steven Dacey
MWO Donald Neville
I was greatly saddened when I heard of the passing of our beloved Col Cmdt, Col Murray Johnston.
I remember with fondness the time he visited my Reserve unit, 51e Bataillon des Services du Canda, on a Tuesday night just to meet with the Maintainers present that evening for training. His words were inspiring and left an indelible impression on not only myself but also on the young techs that listened to him astutely as he addressed them in a very personable manner. In the years that followed, many of those techs commented on how his words that day impacted their careers.
While the Corps of RCEME (as an organization and as individuals) will miss him sorely, his legacy will live on through our fond memories and his many outstanding works on behalf of us all.
Rest in Peace Sir.
ARTE et MARTE
John Reade
Pretty much from the day I joined RCEME, Murray was the go to guy for history and its importance and meaning to the Corps. From his many publications and what he passed on to RCEME officers young and no so young he is still the guy
MWO (Ret) Bryce Firlotte
A true leader, officer, mentor and gentleman. Met him on many occasions during bonspiels, RCEME days and on tours. He always took time to speak and engage with the troops no matter the rank. Rest easy Sir. Arte et Marte
LCol Stephane Belanger
My first Corps appointment as his Aide-de-Camp back for a function in Borden years ago...good memories. His contributions to the RCEME Corps will certainly be remembered. He was an inspirational leader who truly represented what esprit de RCEME Corps is all about!
RIP
ARTE et MARTE
Rest in Peace. Arte et Marte.