Date of Birth: December 21, 1956
Date of Death: July 16, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that his family announces that Robert James Johnston, Jr., 65, passed away suddenly on July 16th. Born on December 21, 1956, in Shirley, Massachusetts, at Ft. Devens Army Base Hospital where his father was stationed, he was his parents’ Christmas baby. His father’s work for G.E. took the family to Cincinnati (9 mos.), and Syracuse (9 yrs.) The family lived in Brewerton, NY during that time. He moved to Arizona when he was 12. Bobby, as his family called him, and known widely by his bowling nickname, “Bubba” … loved the sport. He bowled for many years and usually had the highest average around and was often in the Top 10 Highest Averages for the state. He had bowled 10 perfect “300” names, and nine “299” s. He graduated from Moon Valley High School in 1975 and attended the Arizona Automotive Institute. His career led him to Sperry Flight Systems, later to become Honeywell, where he worked for 27 years as an Aerospace Engineer. His passions included his love of all sports including: NASCAR Racing; The NFL… his favorite team was The Pittsburgh Steelers (for which he was an avid fan!); Bowling; Basketball; and Fishing. He also loved music and anyone who knew him, knew his favorite all-time band was The Monkees. He collected all Monkees’ Memorabilia he could find and followed them to many of their concerts. Bobby loved technology and enjoyed building computers for family and friends. He will be remembered for his loud, boisterous laugh and dry sense of humor as well as his Big Bear Hugs. At 6’2” he will always be thought of as a “Gentle Giant”. Most of all he will be remembered for his love for his son, David.
Service Information
He is survived by his son, David Robert Johnston, his parents, Robert James Johnston, Sr. and Elizabeth Weihe Johnston, his brothers, Donald Weihe Johnston (the Late Pattie), Dwight David Johnston (Cheri), and his sister Jill Johnston Brackett (Mike). He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandparents on both sides and his sister-in-law Pattie Johnston.
Contributions
Memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Research Foundation.
Eulogy for the Soft-spoken Father
Thank you so much for coming out to celebrate my father. I know a lot of you traveled far distances to be here for him and I know that would’ve made him happy to know that. Like you all probably know, Dad was a man of few words, but when he opened up or made a comment, it was usually something profound.
His words of wisdom and sense of humor always provided comfort. My Dad was an observer and a listener. My Dad was known for his bowling, and I’m proud that he taught me everything I know about the sport. With me, that translated into him giving me the space to develop into the person I wanted to become, instead of forcing me into some mold. I am forever grateful for his calm and level-headed presence, and his unique ability to always know when I needed him before I even asked for help.
He will be forever missed, and his memories will stay etched in my heart for as long as I am still here. Thank you again for coming out to honor my father. I know if you attended his Celebration of Life, he touched your life in some way and he loved you very much.
Thank you and I love you, Dad.
Very touching, nice service!