George Johnstone
George Elliot Johnstone CD, LCdr (Ret)

Born: August 6, 1935
Died: August 9, 2012

George was born in Halifax, N.S. with a boyhood passion for the sea in his heart. He attended King's College School in Windsor, N.S. and Dalhousie University before joining the first class of H.M.C.S. Venture. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1954 to 1975.

After leaving the Navy the family settled in Victoria and George had a second career with the B.C. Government. Family vacations were always taken in the family's various sailboats, cruising the coasts of B.C. and Washington State. In 1987 he achieved his lifelong dream and set off in Tarquin V with Dot as his first mate on a world cruise which lasted eight years. They enjoyed exploring the various cultures they encountered and made many new friends.

George and Dot retired to Maple Bay. At this time George was diagnosed with prostate cancer which he dealt with stoically for 16 1/2 years. He always maintained a sense of optimism and humour.

George will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy, and by his children, Sandra Eichendorf (Ross), Andrew Johnstone (Denise Rogers), Heather Johnstone (Gerry Morello), Barbara Davidson (Ken); grandchildren, Ian Eichendorf (Colleen), Robin Eichendorf, Roslyn Davidson, Peter Davidson, Leone Morello; great grandson, Thomas George Eichendorf; and sister Joan Pilson (Michael).

Sincere thanks to Dr. Lauren Jackson, Dr. Charles Ludgate, Dr. Jorg Michels, the Cowichan Valley home care nurses and care teams, Cheryl Upright R.N., Sue Pollard, R.N., and the staff of 2 south at the Cowichan District Hospital. They all helped to make George's journey as smooth as possible.

A family gathering to celebrate the life of George will be held at a later date. Donations, if desired may be made in George's memory to the Victoria Prostate Center or the B.C. Cancer Foundation, Vancouver Island Center.

"Home is the sailor, home from the sea."

Published in Victoria Times-Colonist on August 17, 2012 		 
 
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