(Leslie) Hugh Johnston

November 29, 1940 - November 27, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
With the silence of a whisper, Hugh gently passed a mere 2 days before his 81st birthday. Dad was quite the storyteller, and an old bullshitter who could talk endlessly to just about everyone he met.
His adult life started in Winnipeg with the Bank of Commerce and meeting the love of his life on a blind date. Then a move to The Pas, Manitoba, to be the school accountant at Keewatin Community College. Never one to be shy, when asked to try teaching Business Accounting and Consumer Law, he took a couple of years of summer school and became a teacher.
Also during this time, Dad was a columnist for the local paper where his infamous column "Short Snorts" began. This followed him throughout his 35 year career in the newspaper business.
Another passion was music, which gave birth to Uncle Hug Productions. Dad was a DJ at local dances and dabbled in concert promotions. One of his greatest triumphs was bringing one of the hottest rock bands at the time to our town — Trooper.
He then took a breather, and began to sell advertising for the local newspaper in Peace River. This led to a greater exposure in the newspaper business. Soon an opportunity came in purchasing the Devon Dispatch in Devon and later, the Beaumont newspaper La Nouvelle.
He wrote columns and took photographs for both papers. He was a great procrastinator and used to boast, I don't get ulcers — I give them!
He was an award-winning editor for both newspapers and was proud of what he put out to all the subscribers.
The calling of retirement came and the City of Victoria beckoned. He would spend hours watching the various ships in the harbour sail in.
Good friends moved to Creston; he went for a visit, fell in love with the town and decided to move there. Hugh embraced the community of Creston and was a proud member of the Lions Club and Blossom Festival Chairman. He was the originator of Music in the Park and supported local musicians.
Left to cherish his memory, is Mary Ann wife of 58 years, his daughter Michelle (Perry) grandchildren Daniel, Chantal, his son Russell (Karen), grandchildren Kali and Reyce.
Celebration of Life to be held on:
Saturday, Dec 11/21 at 1:30 pm GF Oliver Funeral Chapel, 225-15 Ave North, Creston, BC
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lions Club of Creston. Box 905, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0