ForeverMissed
Mike_Johnston_2

Come Celebrate the Life of

Michael Johnston

 At Bon Air Community Center
8725 Quaker Lane
Richmond, VA  23235

Saturday, April 14, 2012

3:00 p.m. Doors Open
3:30 p.m. Memorial Ceremony
Business Casual Attire

Dear Family and Friends,
You are invited to join us in a celebration of the life of Mike Johnston and our ongoing love for him. Not a funeral or religious service, we plan a joyous gathering together, a memorial of Mike: a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. We will honor Mike for all the things that he shared with us and for all the wonderful memories he left with us. We will eat, drink, laugh, and tell stories about the man we all miss and loved so much.

 

This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Michael Johnston.

We will remember him forever.

The following is the obituary that appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 12/25/2011:

Michael Gordon Johnston, age 55, of Chesterfield, Virginia, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on December 22, 2011. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 31 years, Pamela B. Johnston; son, Sean P. Johnston; and daughter, Lauren F. Johnston. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Johnston; and brother, Jeffrey L. Johnston. He is survived by his mother, Annabeth Johnston; and brother, Robert K. Johnston. Mike was born in Muncie, Indiana on February 21, 1956. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Chemistry, he worked for Indianapolis Rubber Company as a Compound Chemist followed by working for Patch Rubber Company in Roanoke Rapids, NC and Ray Car Tires in Harrisonburg, VA. He worked for Nationwide Insurance for over the past 20 years.  Mike was an avid ice hockey enthusiast and a coach for the Valley Youth Ice Hockey Association in Roanoke, VA. He had a passion for fine wood working, restoring foreign cars, and skeet shooting. He will always be remembered by his family as a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend. At his request, Mike donated his body for medical research. The family wishes to sincerely thank all of the healthcare providers and staff of Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, Thomas Johns Cancer Hospital, and Odyssey Healthcare. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions to Odyssey Healthcare or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date.

Leave a Tribute
Posted by Jennifer Blackmon on December 22, 2012
It's hard to believe that a year has passed. My brother in law Mike was an amazing man that is missed everyday by our family. My love, thoughts, and prayers, go out to Pam, Sean, and Lauren, today and everyday. I love you all.
Jenna
Posted by Michael Wolfberg on July 14, 2012
Mike and I lived together while students at Indiana University. I have been searching for my long lost friend's (Mike & Pam)since we last parted ways in 1979. Today's discovery is a loss I cannot put into words. I extend my condolences to Pam, Sean and Lauren.
He was a great man and will be missed...
Posted by Fred Reese on March 7, 2012
Pam, I can't even begin to tell you how saddened I am by the news of Mike's passing. Although we weren't close in these last years I always considered Mike a close friend. He brought to those around us a great deal of fum and compassion. Your wedding and the weekend around it were some of my best memories. I will always remember meeting your beautiful children at Jeff's Funeral my love to
Posted by Mark Stevens on January 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I, too, will remember Mike Johnston as a very friendly, helpful, and dedicated member of our Nationwide family. It was obvious he was a man of good character and as others have stated, his cheerful nature could brighten anyone's day. Godspeed my friend.
Posted by Steve Avila on January 5, 2012
We grew up across the street from Michael. He was a great friend to our family and so much fun to have in the neighborhood. I recall he broke his ankle while sliding into second base playing Little League baseball for West View School.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by Jo Ratchford Boyce on January 5, 2012
Pam my prayers are with you and your family in your loss of Mike. I was saddened to hear of his passing when I read about it in the paper today. I remember Mike with a smile on his face! Peace be with all of you.
Posted by Susan Linville on January 5, 2012
I'm SO sorry to hear of Mikes passing...I went all thru school with him...very nice guy...always. Sincerely, Susan
Posted by Greg Hottinger on January 5, 2012
Our thought's are with you!
I'm sorry to hear of Mikes passing.
Sincerely, Greg
Posted by April Compton on January 2, 2012
To Pam and Family:
Mike was a great guy, a class act. Please accept my condolences. Mike will be missed.
Posted by Becky Sauls on December 30, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to his family. He was a great person to work
with. Very positive and a team player. He will be missed.
Posted by Alex Marshall on December 29, 2011
There are no words that can express our sympathy. I will remember Mike as a great leader, friend & confidant. He loved to help others & provided support, guidance or a helping hand whenever you needed one. More than anything else, I will miss his smile & his infectious laugh. He could turn any dark cloud with that laugh. Mike left a lasting impression on many lives & he will be missed.
Posted by Chris Clark on December 28, 2011
Pam, Sean and Lauren, so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I will always consider him a great friend. I had the most fun at the rink, when he was around. Either playing with or against him it was always an adventure. He brought such joy to the Rhino locker room every time he was there, laughing and smiling. He will be truly missed by all. God Bless, Chris
Posted by Jim Van Cleaf on December 28, 2011
Prayers for a wonderful family from Mike's "hockey family" in Roanoke. We will never forget his great personality, leadership, and willingness to help a friend in need.
Posted by Jo Starcher on December 27, 2011
So sad to lose one of the good ones. Mike was kind, generous, and one of the best guys around. He will be missed by many many people. My sincere sympathies to his family and co-workers.
Posted by Donna Bennett on December 27, 2011
Mike was One of a Kind and will be Missed! I was honored to have worked for him in the fire & theft unit at NW and learned so much from him. He was so interesting to talk with and always have a great story to tell. I will never forget all the laughs that we all had with him. Mike was such a positive person and I feel so lucky to have known him.
Posted by Emily Meador on December 25, 2011
My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Mike was an encouragement to me, especially when he started having health problems. Mike never complained & always had a way of turning a negative into a positive. Cherish the memories in your heart forever. Mike loved his family & was always happy to share a story about his family. He was a special friend and will not be forgotten.
Posted by ReBecca Franklin on December 25, 2011
Guys, I'm so sorry for your loss! You dad was an AMAZING guy! I loved him as if he was my own dad!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now! If there is ANYTHING at all you need. Please feel free to ask! Love Becca
Posted by Nancy Terrell on December 25, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you Pam,and your family,during this difficult time. Love Nancy
Posted by Susan Clark on December 25, 2011
So very sorry for your loss, but please know that Mike was such a wonderful person and will be missed by all. I didn't know him for as long as some, but from the day I met him he reminded me of my Dad. So every time I saw him it brought back memories for me. I will miss his laughter and friendliness forever. Love, Sue
Posted by Carol Schwerin on December 25, 2011
Hi Pam, Sean and Lauren, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. He was an amazing person. He has touched so many lives and his spirit lingers on. I hope your memories of all the simple pleasures you knew as a family will bring you a deep and special sense of comfort. You know he will be playing hockey in Heaven where there is no cancer or knee pain :)    Love and miss you all, Carol
Posted by Meredith Spencer on December 24, 2011
I will always remember how mike drove Sean and I around because neither of us could drive yet, but I think I will remember his laugh most of all. His laugh could make you smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the Johnston family. If you all need anything please let me know.
Love Meredith
Posted by John Frantz on December 24, 2011
I can't begin to adequately express my sympathy to Pam, Sean & Lauren on Mike's passing. I got to know Mike at VYH in Roanoke and while others would stand back and say what needed to happen, Mike was the one that would step up and take action. He was a great coach to those kids when they needed it most, and his contribution to their lives won't be forgotten. He will be missed!
Posted by Justin Miles on December 24, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Johnston Family in this difficult time. If there is anything my family or I can do please let me know. May God bless you all.
Posted by Jenni Woody on December 24, 2011
Mike was the life of every neighborhoodl party. No one was without a corona in hand and a good story to hear whether about the kids, the spitfire or his next project. He and Pam together changed my parents lives forever with their love and wonderful friendship. He had great lessons in his stories and I see so much of him in the strong young adults Sean and Lauren have become. Love to all
Posted by Lisa Dubois on December 24, 2011
Our thought's are with you!
Posted by Ashley Graham on December 24, 2011
My prayer are with you and your family, Lauren. We spent may years in school together and you were blessed with a very loving father; that would want nothing more than you to succeed in life, and continue his memory and traditions. He will live on, always and forever, in your heart and memories.
Love Always, Ashley Keene Graham and Family

Leave a Tribute

 
Recent Tributes
Posted by Jennifer Blackmon on December 22, 2012
It's hard to believe that a year has passed. My brother in law Mike was an amazing man that is missed everyday by our family. My love, thoughts, and prayers, go out to Pam, Sean, and Lauren, today and everyday. I love you all.
Jenna
Posted by Michael Wolfberg on July 14, 2012
Mike and I lived together while students at Indiana University. I have been searching for my long lost friend's (Mike & Pam)since we last parted ways in 1979. Today's discovery is a loss I cannot put into words. I extend my condolences to Pam, Sean and Lauren.
He was a great man and will be missed...
Posted by Fred Reese on March 7, 2012
Pam, I can't even begin to tell you how saddened I am by the news of Mike's passing. Although we weren't close in these last years I always considered Mike a close friend. He brought to those around us a great deal of fum and compassion. Your wedding and the weekend around it were some of my best memories. I will always remember meeting your beautiful children at Jeff's Funeral my love to
View all tributes
Gallery
Mike and Lauren
Mike and sean
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Recent stories

School days----

Shared by Kerri K. (Marti) McClella... on January 5, 2012

I will always remember Mike as a very kind, sweet, outgoing person.  I went to school with him from kindergarten days at WestView through graduation at Northside High School.  I have to share a cute memory that is in my baby book that my Mother did for me when I was born.  After the first day of kindergarten, my Mother states in my baby book that I came home from school and said "Mike Johnston is my beau!"   I guess I really had a crush on this kid cause I came home the next day early because I had knocked my front teeth out on the monkey bars because I wasn't looking when Mike was chasing me on the playground!  (guess this might be the reason I had braces twice!).  Also, my father, Keith Marti is a pharmacist and knew Don quite well.  Great family.

Hope this funny story brings a small smile to you, Pam, and family, during this sad time.

God Bless you.

Kerri

 

 

Shared by Bill Clark on December 26, 2011

Pam, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. We all know that Mike is in a much better place but he will truly be missed by all that knew him. Mike was one of the first managers I met at Nationwide when I moved here 14 years ago. I truly valued his friendship as well as his thoughts and ideas in the many conversations we had over the past 14 years.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that you find comfort in remembering all the wonderful times you had with Mike.

Sincerely, Bill C.

Shared by Nathan Frantz on December 24, 2011
Mike was my hockey coach for several years.. His commitment, devotion, and competitiveness encompassed all that a coach of young men should be. I was very sad to hear of his passing and he and his family will be in my thoughts this Christmas.