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WILLIAM ”BILL” LAWRENCE JOHNSTON
February 1, 1936 ˜ December 10, 2018
William ”Bill” Lawrence Johnston, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on December 10, 2018 in Kennewick, WA. He was born Feb. 1, 1936 to Lawrence and Violet Johnston in Portland, OR.
Bill graduated Washougal High School Class of 1954 and Washington State University Class of 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering.
He served in the Washington Air National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base.
Bill had a long and fulfilling career in the irrigation manufacturing and distribution industry. He built a lasting reputation within the industry as a friendly and knowledgeable professional who cared deeply about his coworkers, customers and venders. Bill believed integrity was paramount, handshake agreements were binding and he always led by example.
Most important to Bill were his family and friends. His family was always his pride and joy. He maintained close relationships with the dear friends he made throughout his life. His most cherished times were spent visiting with family and friends. Bill was well known to have a warm smile, a hearty laugh and a wonderful sense of humor.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Betty Johnston; children, Kay (Jim) Linkous, Keith (Melinda) Johnston, Kristine (Dennis) Sarles and Douglas Griffith; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by both parents; two half-brothers; and daughter, Deborah Ann Johnston.
At Bill’s request, there will be no funeral services. The family will have a family gathering to celebrate Bill’s life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) www.alzfdn.org.
With tears we saw you suffer,
As we watched you fade away,
Our hearts were almost broken,
As you fought so hard to stay.
We knew you had to leave us,
But you never went alone,
For part of us went with you
The day you left your home.
The Day You Left ˜ By Anonymous
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Loved your smile. You also taught me to try new foods like snails!! You will be mussed
Wilma Chaffee
January 7, 2019
We love you and will never forget you!
Melinda
January 6, 2019
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