William ‘Neil’ Johnston
November 5th, 1935 – February 4th, 2021
This is a picture of Neil from 1953 when he was 18yrs old and working out of Norman Wells, NWT. As a young boy Neil took on many extra responsibilities within the family until his father returned from war and transitioned back into civilian life. His eldest sister Rita (deceased) and younger sister Bonnie have told many stores of the fun and sometimes trouble that Neil would help find for them!
Neil has peacefully passed on, surrounded in spirit by his loving family. He was a man of integrity and one to never shy away from an adventure. It was October 1956, at a Calgary community hall that Neil had garnered the courage to ask a beautiful young lady up for a dance. It was on
April 23rd, 1957, that young lady, Shirley Rueffler, who shared that dance with Neil less than a year before were holding hands as they celebrated their marriage.
Both Neil and Shirley put their roots down east of Calgary in what was then the small town of Bowness. After two years they moved to Calgary for a short stint prior to moving to the small central Alberta town of Bowden in 1960. It was in 1957 that their first son David was born and a few short years later in 1960, their second son, Vernon arrived. Both boys were quickly introduced to the spirit of the backcountry, the soul of the mountains, the tranquility and power of the sea for which helped guide the boys on their journey through life. For David, his father truly put the spirit of the arctic into his soul, as he worked nearly 3 decades in the arctic finishing up his career right near the location this photo was taken. When opportunity came, Neil would journey north to witness with his son how the adventure continues! As for Vernon, Neil, supported his passion for ski racing, encouraged him as he trained and raced motocross which he still enjoys today, he calmly watched him jump out of airplanes and believed in his career as a professional diver. There was never a moment of stress that either boy caused their father! Neil took great joy knowing his grandchildren also love the mountains and that his spirit of adventure continues through them. Every picture he would see of his granddaughter Kayla in the backcountry touring or his grandson Ian, climbing above alpine in a snow cat always brought a particular smile to his face.
Bonnie’s late husband, Earl was a kindred spirit with Neil as they both enjoyed countless backcountry, camping and fishing trips together. Stephanie Larden, Neil’s niece can easily recount on numerous fishing trips asking how far the hike would be and always wanted to know if the hike was measured in real miles or Uncle Neil miles!
The greatest joy was to have him as a husband, father, a mentor, a friend and one whom we could always question and seek his guidance. In his retirement, he spent his time on his acreage in Alberta and was always helping build community through his passion of sharing his love of horses with both young and old. His property remains part of his heart and soul.
When David retired from his life in the arctic, he purchased about half of the family property. It was that decision that enabled Neil to live out his life in a magical rural setting. Shirley is a remarkable mother and wife who shared nearly 65yrs of marriage with Neil will undoubtedly soldier on, knowing that she is deeply loved. Our mother has taught us more about life in the last few months which we’re very grateful for. Her strength is so reassuring.
We are confident that Neil was greeted by a caring hand at the doorway to heaven. When David saddles up a horse for the next adventure his father Neil will absolutely be with him. When Shirley tends to the magical rural property and joins her sons on the next adventure Neil will be with her. When Vernon lines up at a start line of the next motocross race or drops into the next backcountry bowl, his father will be with him. The adventure continues!
Celebrate a life well lived.
