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.
Livre de visiteurs
Robert Rainville
Rene Gilbert
Mon Col, Reposez en paix. Vous avez été et vous allez continuer d’être un membre très important pour le Corps du GEMRC. Tout ce que vous avez accompli durant votre carrière pour le Corps est extraordinaire. J’ai eu le privilège de servir à vos cotés, de vous côtoyer et d’écouter vos nombreuses histoires. Merci d’avoir été l’homme que vous étiez. Arte et Marte.
Adjuc (ret) René Gilbert
RCEME Captain (retd) Paul Hamilton CD
May his soul rest easy at peace in the home of our eternal Father.
I remember, with great fondness, my first of many meetings with the kind, wise soul, Col Cmdt Murray Johnston, as his Aide de Camp during a visit to the RCEME School in Borden. During an "SLJO" posting at the school while awaiting training, as a keen young 2nd Lt, my duty was the care and feeding of the Col Cmdt during his visit. On one occasion as I dropped him off at his quarters to dress for the evenings mess dinner, he turned to me with a perplexed look on his face and said, "It appears to me that my dear wife, has forgotten to pack my Mess Kit pants, now, what should we do young man?" I suggested he not worry, take a rest and leave it to me. Well, after a flurry of behind the scenes activity, one exemption to mess dress for onother RCEME Officer, a quick hem job by another RCEME Offrs wife... Col Johnston attended the dinner fully clothed.
Everytime we met in the future, my first comment to him was... "Nice pants Sir... I see you packed yourself this trip.. And he would invariably reply... "One man, One Kit!!" , and smile!!!
His wisdom, knowledge and experience will be missed, but his presence and impact will be long lasting.
God Bless my friend and brother in arms!
Arte et Marte
Paul
LCol George McLeod
Much love to Murray's family and to all those of RCEME Corps who knew and loved him.
He is the only Col Cmdt I knew as a Maintainer (I became a TDO in 2002) and I always looked forward to his visits, whether it was when he came to see us in Edmonton at a time when it was uncertain what the future held or the many visits he made while I was an instructor at the RCEME School, his presence, wisdom and passion were so welcome. I took every opportunity to be his aide-de-camp for each of these visits and enjoyed getting to share in his enthusiasm for the Corps. He is the reason I am a TDO now and have stayed in the military, so I owe him a great debt, since if I had not taken his advice I would not have enjoyed so many of the amazing experiences I have benefited from.
His impact on the RCEME Corps is undeniable and his example is a legacy that will survive in all of us who got to know him.
I will never forget his famous quote "RCEME, everywhere the action is!", which he would share at every opportunity. His love for the Corps and affection for its Craftsmen was obvious.
He will be sorely missed by all of those who had the benefit to get to know him.
Thank you Murray for all that you have done for the Corps and all of us, we love you and will miss you.
Arte et Marte.
George.
3506 CDR, RCN (Ret'd) Ronald G. Capern
Rest in peace, my Classmate.
Yours aye, Ron
Colonel (Ret’d) Andrew Nellestyn OStJ CD KGCStG DIC PhD PEng
Murray’s legacy is remarkable and unparalleled. He leaves a substantial vacuum for his leadership and dedication to the Corps were notable and celebrated.
Indeed, it can be said that Murray personified all that the Corps exemplifies and indelibly put RCEME on the map!
His book CANADA’S CRAFTSMEN AT 50! and plethora of publications served both to preserve the Corps’ proud history and heritage and to articulate the Corps achievements.
Murray’s strong sense of family, both in his personal life and that in the Corps, was ever conspicuous and defined him as an officer and a gentleman extraordinaire as did his humility and humanity.
With the craftsmen and women, all of whom he valued and respected immensely, he enjoyed an affectionate and avuncular relationship, their Uncle Murray.
He was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all and will be sorely missed.
Major Hilary Forbes and MWO Dany Forbes
Our condolences on the loss of such a great man.
Col Johnston was an incredible influence to both of us at impressionable times in both of our careers. The passion he had for the RCEME Corps and the dedication to the people within it was truly admirable. Despite (unfortunately) not knowing him as well as many others, we are nonetheless truly grateful to have had such a strong leader as an example within the Corps. He helped to define what a RCEME leader should be - he was dedicated, passionate and had the loyalty of all who knew him. He leaves an incredible legacy behind and will not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Sir.
Arte et Marte.
MWO Wendell Hayden
What can anyone say about Col Johnston that would do him justice? What an amazing man and Ambassador to the Corps. My best memory of Col Johnston is the fact that no matter when he met you, or what rank you were, he would always remember you and go out of his way to say hi. I have often witnessed him brushing off Generals to speak to a group of Craftsmen.
Rest now Sir, your work is done.
Arte et Marte
Sgt Ghislain lebel
I met Colonel Johnston few time at RCEME Days, Blue Bell presentation in different Bases. I will remember him telling me did have not see you in Calgary or Winnipeg, Petawawa. I answer him that possible. He enjoyed been around RCEME troops. Always with a good story for the young personal. You will be miss deeply. Rest In peace SIR
CWO (Ret’d) Dan St-Jean
Mon Colonel,
The passing of a legend always invoke a feeling of deep lost. As I reflect back on our relationship, I can’t help but smile at your sense of humour and utmost dedication to the Corps. I do have many anecdotes and memories that I will cherish without end. Sylvie and I are very grateful for your wife’s Joan and your friendship. To Joan; you have lost your life partner in the autumn of your life but know that he loved you to no end and was always happy to let us know. I admired his love and respect for you which was an example for us younger married men to follow. Know that the Corps loves you both and that his presence will be felt for years to come. Arte et Marte
To my Colonel CMDT,
I will for always keep dear to my heart the many opportunity we had to talk and for me to listening to your stories. The many EME days, all your visit overseas.
It was always uplifting and a great moral booster for us all. I’m glad I got to serve that same corps you devote so much of your time to pass the torch on to us.
You have served us all with great leadership. It’s time to take your rightful place among the angels that watches over us.
Till we meet again my friend,
Robert Rainville, Ret EME WO
Arte and Marte