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
Ian Glenn
MWO (Retd) Thomas Cox
Without a doubt one of the most highly regarded and inspirational Officers in our Corp history. It was an honour to have served under you. Rest in Peace.
Ed Sculthorpe
It was a true honour to serve with and know you, Sir. The finest RCEME officer there ever will be. A rest so well deserved. Arte Et Marte.
LCol Steve Cahill
Col Murray, you will be dearly missed but your impact to the RCEME community and the many organizations you've been involved with throughout the years will endure.
My Murray story:
Col Johnston was the first senior officer that I'd been Aide-de-Camp for during my first posting to CFB Gagetown. I'll always remember that time with Murray, specifically the evening we'd spent at the Bonspiel's meet and greet. I remember discussing Murray's and John Vass' departure with them prior to the event and kept track of time for them throughout. I also kept close eye on the level of beverage to ensure that Murray and John didn't risk dehydration. At around 1230AM, after the second slip of our departure time, I went up to Murray and John to see if they were now ready to depart - without skipping a beat Murray looked at me and said, 'I'll have a Blue, and get one for John too"...I of course, complied.
Well, I finally got Murray and John back to the shacks at around 2 AM...all good, except for the fact that they were required to conduct the opening ceremonies at 0600AM. I told them that I'd be back to pick them up at 0540AM to head over to the curling rink...good to go. Well when I showed up with the driver...we both went into the quarters and knocked on each of their doors - no answer. For about 10mins...there was no answer. I turned to the driver and said, "I think I killed the Col Cmdt, that's not good". Murray then came to the door and said, 'gee Steve, can't an old guy get some rest?.
Murray doesn't / didn't know it but he instantly became my hero that night / morning.
Rest now young man.
Steve
Brigadier General (Ret’d) Charles Emond CD
I had the privilege of knowing Col Murray Johnston in his capacity as the RMC Club President during my tenure as Commandant during the tumultuous period after the closure of RMC’s two brother colleges. I remember his engaging, thoughtful and energetic nature and unfailing commitment to giving back to Canada by means of supporting those institutions, like our military colleges, on which our country counts on to keep its citizens secure. Truth, Duty Valour to the core.
Posy Johnston
May your memory be a blessing, Great-Uncle Murray. We're sending you lots of love to you and your family xoxo Raine, Gordon and Posy
WO Jonathan D Harper (Ret’d), RCEME
May God grant you peace and your family take great pride in your lifetime of service.
Arte et marte!
Captain (Rtd) Andy Nevlle
Unfortunately the World has lost a " True Gentleman " who throughout his military career was the epitome of what a " True Officer " should be. His dedication to the RCEME Corps (Branch) is unparalleled and he earned the respect of all ranks from Craftsman Apprentice to General.
May he Rest In Peace.
Captain (Rtd) Andy Neville
Unfortunately the world has lost a " True Gentleman " who throughout his military career was the epitome of what a " True Officer " should be. His dedication to the RCEME Corps (Branch) is unparalleled and he earned the respect of all ranks from Craftsman Apprentice to General. ay he Rest In Peace.
Wayne Adam
Rest in peace sir, having to not met you once you had a lasting effect.
Col Murray was one of Canada's truly great leaders. His life was an example to follow for all of us - both in and out of the military. I first met Murray in Germany as a recent transfer to the RCEME family. I had the honour of working alongside him in Delft as part of the RCEME Book of Remembrance. He inspired me and many others throughout his life and he will be missed. RIP. Arte et Marte.