Richard Johnston

Richard Marlyn Johnston was born March 30th 1943, the spoiled rotten and much-adored son of Marlyn and Enola Johnston of Lum, Michigan. He was the light of their lives. Richard grew up shooting imaginary bad guys and herding cows with his cousins on the rolling hills of his parents’ farm. As a teenager he met his first of many loves, the guitar. He formed the local hit rock and roll outfit, “The Invictas” with some of his dearest boyhood friends and got hooked on the joy of performing and delighting audiences with his truly impressive musical gifts, charisma, and humor. He was the quintessential “nice guy” and nurtured lifelong friendships that originated during the Eisenhower administration.  Dick never met a stranger. He earned his associate’s in nursing from Mott Community College in 1982 and went on to have a career as an RN at McLaren Regional Medical Center that spanned over twenty years. He worked on the adolescent psych unit there and touched the lives of countless coworkers, patients, and their families. Richard dabbled and delighted in carpentry. He loved to read, learn, draw, paint, take photographs, dance, and bring laughter to all who knew him. He had an appetite for life, and popcorn was his favorite vegetable. Richard cherished a long list of friends from the Flint Banjo Club, Hope United Methodist Church, and McLaren Parkinson’s support group. He was a man of faith, dedicated to spiritual growth and his community. Fatherhood was the truest joy of his life. Dick is survived by his loving wife and caregiver of 24 years, Linda Johnston, his daughters Adrianne Herbst (David Herbst) and Leigh Ann Link, stepchildren Lisa (Michael) Karram, Joe (Bernadette) Vallaire, Mike Vallaire, Lori (Tony) Gillette, Jason Estes, over a dozen step-grandchildren, and many extended family. Richard was a gift to us all and the world is better for having known him. The family wishes to sincerely thank the caring staff of Woodhaven Assisted Living, McLaren Regional Medical Center, Willowbrook Manor, and his personal aide, Jessica Tubbs. HGOL, Dad. Forever and ever. A memorial service will take place 11 AM, Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Hope United Methodist Church, 4467 Beecher Rd, Flint. Reverend Carol Blair Bouse will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of the service on Thursday. Donations of tribute can be made in Richard's name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Arrangements were handled by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.