Obituary of Peter Sean Johnston

On Friday, September 27, in St. Marys Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family, Peter was gathered up after a brief illness. Peter Sean Johnston was born on December 9, 1950 in Kingston, Ontario to Eric and Margaret Johnston, their third son. Peter was raised in London, Ontario where he attended school, graduating from Western’s Medicine program in 1974. He then completed a two-year family medicine internship in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before taking a summer locum in St. Marys, Ontario.He never left St. Marys after that summer and established a 40 year practice at the clinic and hospital, enjoying the support he received from the community and the opportunity to help the many people that crossed his path. With his partners and colleagues, Peter helped to establish the Happy Valley Family Health Team to address community health and wellness needs. Peter also served as Coroner for 30 years, an experience that deepened his understanding of life and death.Peter retired in 2015 and enjoyed the freedom to travel and be with his wife, children and grandchildren. Favorite destinations were volunteering at the Santa Rosa Orphanage in St. Vincente de Cañete, Peru, puttering about at the family cottage in Haliburton, searching for wildflowers on Flowerpot Island, paddling Lake Temagami and enjoying the food, music and fun of New Orleans. He was an enthusiastic cross-country skier, canoeist and camper as well as being an avid reader and collector of interesting art and artefacts.Peter was predeceased by his parents, his brother Willie (Annie) and sister Karen. He is survived by his wife, Karen, children Sam (Sara), Justine (Dan), Luc (Katie), Graeme (Meghan), Ian (Megan) and grandchildren, Ella, Charlie, Drew, Lily and Jaynie, older brother Eric (Marion), younger sister Anthea (Scot), first wife Susie, his many in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, uncle and aunt Alan and Donna Johnston.Peter expressed his gratitude many times for the wonderful life he was able to live in the community of St. Marys with the loving support of his family, friends, colleagues and patients. During his brief illness, Peter commented frequently that he was grateful for his life, that he regretted nothing and that he loved us all.Cremation has taken place. “Party for Peter” A life so meaningful deserves a special celebration. Please join us. Drop in to say hello or come dance the night away to his favourite tunes...”Petie style!” Write down your favourite memory of Peter and bring it along for his family to treasure. The Celebration will take place at the St. Marys Pyramid Recreation Centre, 317 James St. South, St. Marys, on Saturday October 26th from 4:00pm - 12:00am. Family tributes to take place at 6:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to FOTOCAN (Peru) or St. Marys Healthcare Foundation- earmarked for the Nurses & Caregivers of St Marys Memorial Hospital.