Obituary of David A. Johnston

Mr. David A. Johnston, 63, of Albany died Friday, December 23, 2005 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany after being suddenly stricken. He was born March 23, 1942 in Flushing, NY, the son of the late Andrew and Loraine Bernier Johnston. He graduated from the McBurney Prep School in 1959 and moved to Gloversville in 1960. He was employed at the then Decca Records Manufacturing facility as the Supervisor of the Tape Department until 1971. In 1972 he and his wife Ronni opened Johnston?s Thoughtfulnest, a Hallmark card and gift shop. He enjoyed much success in the retail trade, eventually operating at four locations under the Hallmark Gold Crown license. Recently he sold all locations and formally retired from retail. As a young man, Dave loved to compete in local sports. He played softball in the old Adirondack Softball league, tennis, racquetball at the YMCA, golf, basketball and flag football. Playing catch with any of his kids and watching them compete in their sports were also favorite past times. David was a man who appreciated the simpler things in life; a nicely prepared Sunday dinner surrounded by family, a brisk walk in the early morning with a beloved dog, an evening at his camp on Caroga Lake, hunkering down to watch a NY Giants football game, taking the kids to the amusement park and hitting all the best rides, watching the sun come up with friends at Juno Beach in Florida. David will be missed by many people. He is survived his seven children, Robin L. Martin Timothy of Guilderland, Andrew W. ?Bud? Johnston Shelly of Charlton, Jamie A. Boles of Charlotte, NC, MacKenzie Johnston of Albany, and Casey Johnston, Alistair Johnston and Torrey Johnston of Glenmont; eight grandchildren, Kailey Horn, Jonathan Martin, Matthew Martin, Amanda Johnston, Brandon Johnston, Noah Johnston, Christopher Boles and Courtney Boles; his brother, Richard Johnston Peg of Gloversville; his first wife Ronnie Kollath, second wife Edan Johnston, along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Johnston, whose wife Liz survives. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St.; Gloversville, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday with the Rev. R. W. Williams officiating. Cremation will follow at Park View Crematorium, Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA of your choice.