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
Brian E. Kelly Maj (ret)
Col(ret) Devon Matsalla
Murray Johnston's memory is so powerful, for so many people, and on so many levels.
For one, his personal dedication was unparallelled - to his family, his friends, the RCEME Corps and to his country - as he was a model that we can all aspire to achieve in our personal lives.
His professional contribution to the world is also remarkable, through his writing, coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others, young and old, to grow and make those lasting contributions to their communities.
He had a keen wit, a hearty sense of humor, and a kindness about him that we all adored.
Thank-you for your leadership, your inspiration and your friendship, Murray. Thank-you to Murray's family for sharing this amazing gentleman with all of us.
With great respect and admiration,
Devon
M/Gen Ernest Creber RCEME
Tina and I send our heartfelt condolences to Joan and family. I feel deeply the loss of an officer whom I knew for many years, a man of quiet dynamism who made me feel proud and honored to be a member of the RCEME ‘family’. Tina and I also have fond memories of the good times we shared with him and Joan at military and social functions, one of which stands out as a shock for Tina,upon seeing an officer being thrown into a swimming after his initiation as the new Co of 22 Workshop. Farewell, good friend, Ernie.
Col(ret) Devon Matsalla
Murray Johnston's memory is so powerful, for so many people, and on so many levels.
For one, his personal dedication was unparallelled - to his family, his friends, the RCEME Corps and to his country - as he was a model that we can all aspire to achieve in our personal lives.
His professional contribution to the world is also remarkable, through his writing, coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others, young and old, to grow and make those lasting contributions to their communities.
He had a keen wit, a hearty sense of humor, and a kindness about him that we all adored.
Thank-you for your leadership, your inspiration and your friendship, Murray. Thank-you to Murray's family for sharing this amazing gentleman with all of us.
With great respect and admiration,
Devon
Alton M Adams
It was with great sadness that I learned of Murray's death. Murray and I served together on many postings during our military careers. He convinced me to become an executive of the EME Association. Although we have not been in contact during the last year I still considered him a true friend and one I could call on for assistance and Corps information. His contribution to the RCEME Corps, Guild and EME Association as Col Commandant and author was exceptional and set a new standard for others who followed. My condolences to Joan and the family
LCol Christopher Wood
Even before I met Col Johnston, he somehow knew my name... and that of every other RCEME Corps member. An officer and a gentleman, he will be missed.
Arte et Marte
Col(ret) Devon Matsalla
Murray Johnston's memory is so powerful, for so many people, and on so many levels.
For one, his personal dedication was unparallelled - to his family, his friends, the RCEME Corps and to his country - as he was a model that we can all aspire to achieve in our personal lives.
His professional contribution to the world is also remarkable, through his writing, coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others, young and old, to grow and make those lasting contributions to their communities.
He had a keen wit, a hearty sense of humor, and a kindness about him that we all adored.
Thank-you for your leadership, your inspiration and your friendship, Murray. Thank-you to Murray's family for sharing this amazing gentleman with all of us.
With great respect and admiration,
Devon
Melanie Baur
I had the knowing of seeing Mr Johnston for the last 5 years, he always came to my clinic with a smile that he was happy to share with everyone. I will miss our visits and wish only comfort and health to his family.
CWO Marty Walhin
Col Murray Johnston was a major influence to all members of the RCEME Corps. His passion, vision and dedication to the Corps was second to none. Over the years I had the privilege of having numerous conversations with Col Johnson, and I was always impress with his calm and friendly personality. With the RCEME Corps celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2019, I recently re-read his book “Canada’s Craftsmen at 50!” a book that had inspired me as a young technician - thanks Murray. A legend that will never be forgotten. RIP. Arte et Marte!
My sincere condolences to Joan, Janice, Jenny and family.
LCol (ret'd) Gordon Crookston
A RCEME tower of strength passes on!
Farewell comrade. You will be missed.