Obituary: Robert de Beauchesne Johnston ‘60

Robert de Beauchesne Johnston ‘60, Ph.D., passed away on January 23, 2018, surrounded by loved ones in Nova Scotia after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born March 28, 1946 in Montreal to Stanley and Annette (Hould), he is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Celeste (Smith), daughter, Elise (Maurice), sons Dr. Robert ‘90 (Fiona) and Andrew ’99 (Lisa), and grandchildren Malcolm, Naomi, Gabrielle, and Connor. He was predeceased by his brothers Stanley ’31 and Reed ’34.

Perfectly bilingual and a gifted student, he attended Selwyn House School, Bishop’s College School, McGill University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Ph.D. in computer engineering in 1971. He subsequently held several posts in industry and academia, including Professor and director of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique – télécommunications (Quebec). He also was a member of the Selwyn House Association Board of Directors from 1984 to 1987.

Robert (known to many as “RJ”) was adored by students, both his own and others who gravitated to his attentive teaching. Kind, gregarious, and generous to all around him, he was a devoted husband and father, quick to smile, and with a robust sense of humour. When not tinkering with computers or woodworking, he could be found on the ocean off residences in Abaco, Bahamas and Hunts Point, Nova Scotia.

The family would like to thank healthcare staff in Liverpool, Bridgewater, and Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Liverpool Regional High School Scholarship Foundation in memory of Robert Johnston for furthering education in science.

A service and reception will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, Liverpool, Nova Scotia, on February 3rd, 2018, at 2:00 pm and a memorial service in Montreal this spring.