I wanted to take the time to remember my father in law, who passed away a little over a week ago at his home in Richland.
I’ll never forget the many times I spent with Keith and Laurie and the kids (also know as Josh’s brother Ian and sister Morgan) at the Central Washington Football Games. They were always so proud and happy to have the family together. Keith was always good at making sure I knew about all of Josh’s embarrassing childhood moments and he always had a joke or two to share.
What I admire most about Keith was his unconditional love that he had for his family. He loved his kids and would have done anything for him. Keith was the happiest when he was with his family.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when he first held Grace right after she was born.
I’ll never forget that he always called me sweet pea.
I’ll never forget watching him pull up in front of our house on his motorcycle after he drove across the state from Richland to Anacortes with the biggest smile that you could have seen for miles. Keith told Josh and I after that bike trip that he felt “alive”.
Keith you will live with us in our hearts and we will remember you everyday.
I will miss you and I will take care of your son Josh and love him until the very end.
Below is the obituary for
KEITH JOHNSTON
Roy Keith Johnston, 60, of Richland, WA, passed away at his home on November 23, 2008. He was born on August 24, 1948 in Colfax, WA, to Freda and Roy Johnston and moved to Ritzville, WA where he attended all 12 years of school. He played football and wrestled for Ritzville High School.In 1968, Keith joined the United States Army. He flew helicopters in Vietnam and various other duty stations including Augsburg, Germany and at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.After the military, Keith attended Wenatchee Valley Community College and earned degrees as a Medical Laboratory and an X-ray Technician. He worked in the lab at Kennewick General Hospital before working as a clinic manager at Physicians Immediate Care in Richland, WA. After leaving Physicians Immediate Care he continued working in the medical profession at a variety of different locations until retiring in 2003.During retirement, he indulged in numerous hobbies including learning to play the guitar, building remote control helicopters, riding his motorcycle, and singing in several choirs in the area including the Columbia River Chordsman.Keith worked as a worship assistant at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, participated as a Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, receiving the Silver Beaver award for his service, and was an instructor at Wood Badge. He was also a member of the Richland chapter of the Harley Owners Group.Some of Keith's proudest moments were the birth of his three children, the birth of his granddaughter and that all of his children attended college.Keith is survived by his wife, Laurie, sons Joshua (wife Nicole) and Ian, daughter Morgan, grandchild Grace, sister Shannon, aunt Betty, family Marty, Cori, and Roni, and many cousins and close friends.Keith was preceded in death by his father, Roy G. Johnston and mother, Freda (Nave) Johnston.A memorial was held on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 2:00pm at 1st Lutheran Church, located at 530 Bonneville, Pasco, WA, with a gathering in the fellowship hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Boy Scouts of America as well as the Lord of Life Lutheran Church building fund.
On behalf of Josh and me we thank you all for your warm thoughts and well wishes that many of you have sent our way.
Obviously this is a hard time, but also a joyous time as we are getting ready to bring in another little Johnston into this world.
This is us Friday night at the tree lightening. It's amazing there were actual people out on the town past 6pm on a Friday night in Anacortes!!
You have to click on the photo or zoom in to see the terror on Grace's face.
This is right after the official Santa photo was taken ( I'll have to scan later). Of course daddy was to the rescue with a cookie and all.
Grace is holding onto her daddy for dear life.
This is the face Grace made after I ask her if she wanted to go and see Santa again. I'm such a mean mommy.
Santa has left the building and Grace is a little less stressed.
Grace has on high heels already!
Life is good. Cookie in one had and a jar of sprinkles in the other.
Ok, more tears to my eyes as I sit in my new closet. I've always wanted shelves to display my shoes on. I thought I would share this picture before Josh invades MY closest with his clothes:)
A little coloring at the table.
Usually I'm able to enjoy a few bevies with my favorite aunt, not this year. I'm holding that bottle just for the photo:(
BIG BALD BILL
Papa & Josh keeping a watchful eye on the cooking in the kitchen .
A Thanksgiving has not gone by that I have not put on my Letterman's jacket. Here I am wearing my jacket 8 months pregnant with my cousin Carl. Good to know I could have got knocked up in high school and still have worn my letter jacket.
That's right Grace is a monkey. Got to love Old Navy. This is just round one of our Halloween adventures today. Grace was a trooper this morning and put her costume on and came with me to a toddler party that I organized through work. Grace is down for her nap getting ready for the big trick or treat down town. More pics to come.
