We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Charles “Chuck” Edward Johnstone CD, (Ret’d) in Chilliwack BC on 1 July2013 at the age of 90.
Chuck was born in Toronto ON. He enlisted in the Canadian Army at the age of 18 and was assigned to1st Chemical Warfare Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and a year later he sailed to England. He was involved in the 1942 Dieppe Raid. Later in the war, he fought in the liberation of Holland and into Germany until the end of the war. He then returned to Canada and became a Drill Sergeant at Camp Borden ON until he was demobilized.
In 1947, he re-enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers and was posted to the Yukon where he worked on the construction and maintenance of the Northwest Highway System. After this posting, he was posted to Chilliwack BC where he was greatly involved in the Sapper Apprentice program, not only as an instructor but also as a mentor to the young men who had enlisted in the Army as apprentices. During his career, Chuck also served in Germany, North Bay ON, Calgary AB, Lethbridge, AB and Petawawa ON. After 29 years he retired and went to work as a civilian with Base Supply at Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack.
Chuck was an active and life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280 in Vedder Crossing BC where he served as 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice Presidency and Secretary / Treasurer. He was proud of having organized a band that performed for Princess Margaret’s 1958 Chilliwack visit. {gdMay2016kh}
