Obituary of Mark Johnstone

LCol (Retired) Mark Hugh Johnstone, CD, PhD, age 73, of Douglas, New Brunswick, passed away peacefully July 20, 2014 from a hemorrhagic stroke at Pembroke Regional Hospital in Ontario. Mark was an adventurous and spirit-driven soul who lived life to the fullest. He had a great thirst for knowledge - but his greatest love was his family. Mark was born to the late Hilda and Cecil Johnstone on December 19, 1940 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Mark is the beloved husband of Frances Lipsett of Douglas and loving father to six children, Karen Johnstone-Hobbs (John) of Brussels, Belgium; Marc Johnstone (Susan) of Ottawa; John Johnstone (Catherine) of Vancouver; Malcolm Johnstone (Kelly) of Halifax; Ronelle Johnstone of Sydney and Paul Johnstone of Douglas. Mark is cherished by eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Rowan, Lucas, Olivia, Andrew, Violet, Alexander and Laura. Mark is survived by his sister, Therese MacDonald (Chuck Morash) of Edmonton; brothers, Michael and Greg (Beverley) both of Halifax. Mark is predeceased by his brother, Arthur (Theresa) of Sydney. Mark studied extensively. He received his BA from Saint Francis Xavier, MA from University of Maine and pursued PhD studies through Leiden University, completing his PhD in 1983. Mark taught at Sydney Academy in Sydney NS until his retirement in 1993. He was respected, well liked and devoted to helping students succeed. His leadership helped establish their International Baccalaureate program and he is remembered for his specialized course curriculum. Mark was very proud of his over 30 year military service and always saw it as giving back to his community. He retired in 1989, after serving as Commanding Officer of The Cape Breton Highlanders. Mark was a spiritual person, studying Clinical Pastoral Education and volunteering at Veteran’s Hospitals in Halifax and Ottawa. Mark was a member of the Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.S.) and was involved in inter-faith initiatives throughout his life. Mark moved to Douglas NB in 2004 to enjoy a contemplative life and the comfort found in the beauty of the Saint John River. The family greatly appreciates the efforts of paramedics, emergency room and ICU medical teams at the Pembroke Regional Hospital who showed Mark and our family care and compassion while ensuring Mark suffered minimal pain and distress in his final hours. We will forever appreciate their efforts and kindness. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Monday, July 28, 2014 from 7 to 9 pm. A Celebration of Life Service with take place at Saint Theresa’s Church, on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 11 am with Father John Jennings and Father Angus MacDougall officiating. Interment to follow at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to a local charity of choice or L’Arche Canada. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com