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Robert Johnston Obituary


Robert Clark Johnston
of Binghamton
Robert C. Johnston, 93, died Saturday May 22, 2010 after a short illness, following a long, productive life. He was predeceased by his sons, William Robert and John Henry, his sister, Marjorie Bours, and a devoted niece, Jane VanDeBogart. He is survived by his much loved wife of 69 years, Ruth Freeman Johnston whom he cared for in their home; his daughter Peg (Margaret Ruth) and virtual daughter Luba Djurdjinovic; grandchildren, Kenneth Clark Johnston (Lynn) and Susan Jenkins (Monty) and five great-grandchildren, Dillon, Alan, and Adelyn Johnston, and David and Grace Jenkins; his brother, William F. Johnston and his family; virtual nephew, Allan Troxler; and many, many friends and admirers. Bob was born in Westchester County to Herman and Mildred Johnston. He got his first camera as a young boy and began a life long hobby as a photographer. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and worked as a chemist at Ansco in Binghamton. He enlisted in the Army as a meteorologist and was stationed in England for the war. He spent much of his working life as technical director at Azon, a manufacturer of blueprint papers in Johnson City. He received a Masters and Doctorate at SUNY Binghamton in Chemistry. He has worked passionately for social justice, the environment, and peace throughout his life, and for the past several years marched under the Veterans for Peace banner in local parades. He was an active member of the Cooperative Gallery 213, with an exhibit of his black and white photographs scheduled for June 3-26th. He was also an inventor with several patents to his name, as well as many clever household inventions. He designed and built his timber-framed house on the Southside and built a cabin in Keene Valley by hand. Before his death he archived one of the largest extant Civil War correspondences, between his great grandparents.
Memorial services will be announced. Donations may be directed to Veterans for Peace 216 South Meramec Ave. St. Louis MO 63105. Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on May 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Johnston

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May 28, 2010

I feel like I have lost another father figure. I always looked to Bob for approval and when he complimented my work it was as if Ansel Adams had done so. I will always remember what a gentleman and fine artist he was!
Ruth, I send my sincerest sympathy to you as I cannot imagine the two of you without each other-you were a fine pair. and you were always such a lady!
Peg, my thoughts and prayers are with you all! I have enjoyed your shows that have allowed us to have a glimpse of your family. How wonderful he will be having such a timely show. Love to you,Luba and your family! Jeanne VanBuren

May 26, 2010

Dear Peg,
I felt as though I really knew your dad from hearing you speak of him through these many years. He, like you, was indefatigible, creative, and respected by all who knew him. I am so sorry for your loss--there will never be another Bob Johnston. It's fitting that his last photography exhibit, opening next week, will honor his work.
Love,
Claire

Judy Trowbridge

May 26, 2010

Dear Ruth,
I was very sorry to hear about Bob's passing. We had alot of good times together. My husband thought very highly of Bob. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Love, Judy Trowbridge

Genie Abrams

May 26, 2010

Dear Peg and Family,
How I will miss this kind human being, great man, loving father and husband, amazing inventor, creative artist and photographer, solid worker for peace and justice, brilliant scientist, devoted bike-rider and sweet "virtual father" (I love your wording!) to me. My heart goes out to you and I stand with you in your sorrow and in your pride.

Jessica Wilson

May 26, 2010

Dear Peg, We're so sorry to hear of your Father's passing; he will surely be missed by all who knew him. We now see where you developed your love of photography and passion for environmental and social justice. What a beautiful legacy of love and peace he left on earth; his torch has now been passed. In Sympathy, Your Colleagues in Hartford

May 25, 2010

Our thoughts are with you and your family.. We are so sorry for your loss. LuAnn and Jim Grimes

David Briggs

May 25, 2010

To the Johnston Family:
Our deepest condolences for you loss. The Briggs Family (Mary St.)

Charlotte Taft

May 25, 2010

Dear Peg, Your colleagues felt that we knew your wonderful father through his creative and political influences on you. We send our deepest condolences to all your family. He will be much missed.

May 25, 2010

Ruth, so sorry to hear about Bob.s passing. I first meet Bob at the JC YMCA over 25 years ago whrn I joined the newly Master swim program. At that time there were only about 12 of us. As you know the group has grown to approx. 40 people.
Bob was always at practice and always trying to improve his stroke. He was an
inspiration to all of us as he was one of the senior members on the team.
He always was upbeat and very much the gentleman at all times.
He will be missed by all.

Bob Connor

Elizabeth Gaffney-Bone

May 25, 2010

Dear Johnston Family, I am very upset to hear about Bob. I have known him all my life, and I have so many fond memories. I remember the cabin being built, what an adventure! I remember driving in the back of his pick up truck, bumping all over the place. I remember hearing all the time what amazing activities he was involved in. And lately, I think about how he cared for Ruth, his love of his life. What an amazing man, and I will miss him.

May 24, 2010

Peg, I am so glad that I was on Bob's email list. I just yesterday found a wonderful picture of your dad and mom from 1992 when they stayed at my daughters apt in Seattle. I'll send it
My deepest condolences.

Sybil Goodkin

Hollie Levine

May 24, 2010

Peg,
It is rare that a person can say they are shocked when a man of your dad's age passes; however, Bob always seemed to me that he would live on and on forever; so I have to admit that his death seemed completely unexpected. He was an incredible man. I loved talking to him about the labor history of the Southern Tier. I admired his energy, strength, commitment to social justice and his family. He will be missed.
My thoughts and love are with you, Luba and your mother.

Kathleen Johnston

May 24, 2010

"Peg, I am so sorry about your dad. He will live on in all of our thoughts and cherished memories. His kindness and acceptance of all have shown us a better way to live. He was the best father-in-law I could have had and he will be sorely missed.

May 24, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of Bob passing. What a kind and gentle man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The "pool" will never be the same.
With love, Mary Barr

May 24, 2010

Peg, very sorry to hear about your Dad.
Lori Keane

Jo Malin

May 24, 2010

Peg,
I'm so sorry about your dad. He was a wonderful and talented man.

Barbara Bernstein

May 24, 2010

Bob Johnston was an inspiration, not only because of his beautiful photos but also because of his loving presence. It was an honor and joy to know him.

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