A memorial service for Darwin P. Johnston will be held on Saturday, August 2 at 11 a.m. at Niccolls Memorial Church in Old Forge.
A picnic reception will follow the service next door on the lawn of the Old Forge Library. Please join us as we share in the fellowship of friends and family which Darwin so loved.
Darwin Perkins Johnston passed away suddenly on January 15, 2014 in the arms of his loving wife of 51 years, Patricia Ann Verblaw Johnston. He was surrounded and held in love by his son Gregory Johnston, daughter-in-law Karry Johnston, daughter Catharine Johnston-Brooks, and granddaughter Abagail Johnston. He is also survived by Gregg and Karry’s son Ian, Catie’s husband Roger and their two children Jack and Emma Brooks, and his sister Catharine Westlake.
Darwin was born on October 21, 1939 in Jamestown, NY. He graduated from Jamestown High School, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN and then an MBA from Syracuse University.
Darwin worked most of his career for Oneida Ltd. over a span of 30 years, retiring as Vice President of Human Resources. He started each day walking the factory floor where he took a personal interest in each employee.
Darwin’s life work did not end with his retirement. In fact, retirement brought a new beginning. He transitioned from caring for employees to focusing on his family and the communities in which he lived.
He was dedicated to his volunteering with the Community Transportation Services in Old Forge. He deeply cared for the people he drove and had meaningful relationships with each of them. In addition, Darwin volunteered for the Emergency Squad of Sun City Center, FL, for five years and he especially loved the chance to drive fast (legally).
Darwin was member of two different faith congregations. In the summer he was a member of Niccolls Memorial Presby-terian Church of Old Forge where he served as elder and member of the finance committee. In the winter, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church Of Brandon, FL.
He had a wonderful voice, sang in the choir of both congregations and loved music. He taught himself to play the piano and played beautifully. He also played guitar in a bluegrass band when he was in his 20’s.
In the last 10 years, Darwin traveled around the world with his wife, Pat. They visited many countries on six continents and were preparing to visit the seventh, Antarctica, when he passed away.
Darwin was a mentor and a leader. He was known for his generosity and his compassion. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered with great love and his sudden passing is grieved with deep sorrow.
A memorial service was held on January 18, 2014 in Brandon, FL at the First Presbyterian Church of Brandon.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to any of the following: Community Trans-porta-tion Service, P.O. Box 995, Old Forge, NY 13420, Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 605, Old Forge, NY 13420, or First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, 121 Carver Ave., Brandon, FL 33510.
