Bill Johnston

William Sherman Johnston, born on Oct. 17, 1929, at Libby, to James and Mary Johnston, died on Dec. 30, 2004, at his home in Libby, surrounded by his family.

Except for the time he spent in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Bill lived his entire life in Libby.

He retired in 1991 after 43 years employment at various positions in the lumber industry.

Bill and Valorie Palmer were married on Oct. 17, 1954, at Libby and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August at a family gathering.

Bill met life¹s challenges with courage, humor, dignity and hard work. That was also how he faced his battle with cancer. Never one to complain, when asked he simply replied that he was ³okay,²

Dad and Mom¹s strength and love, combined with the wonderful attention of many medical professionals, allowed him to be with us as long as possible.

Bill liked to do, rather than talk. He was a member of the Austin Reedy Post 97 of the American Legion, a former member of the Libby Rod and Gun Club, an active member of the Libby Senior Citizens Center, and when his sons were young a youth baseball coach and a scouting Dad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Johnston DePoto in New Jersey, brother Joe Johnston in Libby and sister Janet Johnston Logg in Seattle.

He is survived by his wife Valorie, Libby; daughter Thelma Hyde, Renton, Wash.; son Bill Johnston and his wife Dori in Missoula, and son Doug Johnston and his wife Karyn, Corvallis; grandchildren Teresa Hyde, Bellingham, Wash., Erik Johnston, Missoula, step-grandchildren Kevin Hayworth and Karinne Pearcy, Corvallis, and two step-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Known to his family as Hon, Dad, Papa and Grandpa, Bill filled our lives with wonderful adventures and memories, whether we were camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, on a Sunday picnic, dining out, playing cards or just visiting.

A man of few words, we knew when Dad said something, he meant it. His word was his oath.

Memorial services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Libby Senior Citizens Center, the Libby Volunteer Ambulance or a charity of the donor¹s choice.