Obituary of Neil Johnston

Neil Herbert Johnston died peacefully at Markham Stouffville Hospital on November 30, 2025, after a brief illness. Neil was born in Dand, Manitoba on June 3rd, 1939 to parents Herbert and Dorothy Johnston. He joined big sister Mary Helen Johnston and was followed by little brother Brian Johnston, both of whom survived him. Neil loved living on the farm and worked on the railway for a short period, but hay fever drew him indoors and kick- started a lifelong successful career with the Royal Bank.

Neil met Noreen Johnston née Logan at a social in Souris Manitoba; they married in 1963 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage, three children, seven grandchildren, two great- grandchildren and numerous adventures together. During those adventures, Neil and Noreen moved east towards their final destination in Markham, living in London, Waterloo, and Cambridge, Ontario, along the way as Neil climbed the corporate ladder. They made lifelong friends everywhere they went and maintained the warm glow of those friendships for many years to come.

Once he retired, Neil dedicated much time to the Markham Legion and around 2000, he was even awarded a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Canadian Government for his dedication to volunteerism. Neil was a family man to a fault. His family came first and his sense of gratitude and appreciation for his family never diminished. He was generous, kind and compassionate. He will be deeply missed by his family.

Neil is survived by sons Craig (Pat Polsky) and grandchildren Elizabeth (Brandon Hildebrand), great- grandchildren Thomas and Jack, Anne (Dillon Carson) and Lindsay, Clare (Barb Wieczorek) and grandchildren Jessica and Sam, and Rick (Crystal Quast) and grandchildren Duncan and Gavin. Neil was also adored by family pets, Ginger and Max, Stella, Hank and Maddy.

A private family service will occur on December 7, 2025 @ 2:00 pm eastern time but will be live streamed for those that wish to view it. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Please click here to view Service: LIVESTREAM