Thomas C. Johnston

Thomas Johnston passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on July 12. 

Born July 27, 1942 in Portland, Tom was the son of Alexander and Anna Johnston. He lived his early years in the Portland area graduating from Wilson High School. Within days of graduation and at age 17, he began his service in the US Navy. His experience in the Navy opened eyes to his scholastic potential convincing him to enroll in college. College was purely self-funded and required a multitude of jobs as he worked toward a BS degree in Business/Accounting from Portland State University. 

After college, Tom immediately moved to southern California to start a 25+ year career including as Western Regional CFO for Merrill Lynch and owner/broker for Realty Executives/NorthStar Financial in Manhattan Beach and Palm Springs. In addition to his busy work schedule, Tom attended the police academy of the Los Angeles Police Department and became a reserve officer serving from 1975-1997 working night shifts in South Central Los Angeles. 

When he “retired” in 2010 from the real estate business and LAPD, he returned to Portland and assumed the position of business manager for The Madeleine Church until his second retirement in 2013. He loved cars and always drove the latest Porsche or other impressive car. His favorite was his 1957 Corvette which he restored. 

A man of great faith, Tom attended various churches eventually becoming a Catholic in his 50s. After being a confirmed bachelor until age 58, he met Dianne, the love of his life in church. They married in 2000. Tom was a wonderful, loving husband. Especially in his final years as his health began to decline, Tom and Dianne would often be spotted walking hand in hand as he needed her help for balance . . . or just because. 

Tom is survived by his wife Dianne, Dianne’s daughters Katy (Steven) and Heather (Ryan), and their children Hunter, Paige, Sydney, and Violet, as well as his sister Sharon. 

A funeral mass will be held at The Madeleine Catholic Church, 3123 NW 24th on Wednesday, July 24 at 10AM.