This eulogy was shared at the wake.  Written and read by grandson Will Johnston.

30,640 is the number of days my grandfather was alive on this Earth. 7,625 is the number of days I was fortunate enough to be on this Earth with him.


While it is obvious that I would not be standing here right now without him, I can also say that many of my favorite memories would not exist without him.


I remember spending 10 hours a day sitting in the car while going on various vacations when I was younger. 


I remember playing cards with him in his van as he told us stories of his past. 


I remember traveling the country with him. My first time seeing many famous landmarks -- the Grand Canyon, the Space Needle, the Golden Gate Bridge, even Alaskan glaciers -- were all with him by my side. 


I remember the patience he displayed when I was convinced I had lost one of my gift shop polished rocks in the van one day. He exhibited true calmness as I desperately searched until I realized that it was lying at my feet the entire time.


I remember the sense of humor he had -- always trying to make us laugh with his high-pitched bird noises, and I remember his ability to start a conversation with just about any stranger.


I remember him cutting the prime rib and calling out endless rounds of Bingo every Christmas. I remember him introducing the game of ping pong to me (and my parents can tell you that my life certainly wouldn’t be the same if he hadn’t).


I remember him letting me drive his golf cart and hearing about his hole-in-one on on the 4th hole. I know he wasn’t able to play golf much in his final days, but I think we can agree he’s in a place now where he can play as many rounds as he wants. And who knows - he might even be playing with Arnold Palmer.


I can only hope my life is filled with 30,640 days of the same laughter, kindness, and generosity that he shared with all of us.

This eulogy was read at Alvin’s wake.  Written and read by Alvin’s daughter, Denise Dinslage Johnston


Dad--we always knew this day would come but one is truly never really ready for it.  We hope you have had a good life.  We know you have made our life so much richer for being our dad.  We remember so many wonderful childhood memories.  Playing football on the front yard, wrestling and holding us in one hand saying “stiffy, stiffy”  as you raised us higher and higher.  Math tutoring sessions, post basketball game coaching, playing pig and horse on the driveway hoop, bean walking with the crew.  Riding your bike to work every day.  Getting out of your way as you ran through the house to get your shoes when the fire siren went off so you could run to the fire station to help out who ever needed help.  And of course always kissing mom when you came home from work each day.


You gave us a sense of adventure when you took us on vacations every summer. Driving us to California, Florida, and the Grand Canyon to name a few places. Washington DC was rather interesting when you got lost in a not so great part of town.  Mom yelled for us to “get down girls” so we laid on the floor of the back seat while people were yelling at us….   Bringing along sandwiches to eat in the car and the bed you made in the back seat so the girls could sleep were great memories.  You driving on the hair pin turns in the mountains looking around telling us to look at the beautiful scenery while we yelled at you to watch the road as we once again laid on the floor of the back seat praying to not go over the side of the mountain.  And to think you had to put up with all the arguing of three girls crammed in a car for days. It is no wonder you lost your hair. 


 I think your love of travel came from your time in the army, stationed overseas in Germany.  You were very proud to tell anyone who would listen of the stories of the travels you did while in Europe.  The pictures you have are a great treasure.  That was a world away from the farm you grew up on.  

Today I think we all enjoy our road trips thanks to you. (Although  driving in the mountains is still a little traumatizing for some of us)


You always had a spring in your step and a smile on your face and loved to laugh and ask questions.  You loved learning and truly cared about the lives of others.   Golf of course was your true love.    


I want to look back on your life and thank you for all the outstanding memories you have enriched our lives with.  You definitely gave us a strong work ethic. We always knew you would be there for us no matter what. I remember you standing with me at the back of this church more nervous than I was as you walked me down the aisle on my wedding day. 


Thanks for showing your grandchildren your zest for life.   Thanks for teaching my son how to gamble with your friends on the golf course at a young age and for making sure everyone knew you were around when you made your crazy bird sounds. Now you won’t have to make sure you make it to Saturday night church so you can have an early morning tee time on Sunday. You are with God.


Losing you is not easy but all the wonderful memories you have given us will be in our hearts a lifetime.  I hope heaven has the most sensational golf course you have ever seen.  May you golf par or better on every hole. We love you dad and may God hold you in the Palm of His hands.