Richard Johnstone

Richard Johnstone was born in Scotland in 1901 and settled in Selkirk in 1928. He enlisted with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of the Canada Infantry Group and later became a valued community member.

Early Life

Richard (Dick) Johnstone was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 9th, 1901. He emigrated to eastern Canada in 1924 where he stayed for a few months before continuing west. He settled in Selkirk in 1928 and married Fanny Canvin on December 10th, 1932. They had three children, Margaret, Betty, and Elsie.

Richard was a warm, thoughtful, and caring person. During the Great Depression his good nature was appreciated by everyone around him, as he helped his neighbours and family members any way he could. One example of this, was when one of his neighbours passed away, Richard was out splitting and stacking wood to keep his neighbour’s wife and children warm.

He found work as a groundskeeper and labourer at the Selkirk Golf Course.

Military Career

In 1939, Richard enlisted with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of the Canada Infantry Group and was stationed in England. Richard was sent on military leave just prior to the Dieppe Raid. While on leave he broke his ankle which kept him grounded in England and unable to participate in the assault on Dieppe.

Post Military Career

Richard returned to Canada in 1944 and found work as a night watchman for the Government Yards at the Selkirk Slough. Additionally, he worked for Emil and Kenny Davidson plumbing and heating. He moved to Dryden in 1955 where he continued the trade. Later, he returned to Selkirk and worked as a gardener and general handyman for Dr. Ole Johnson and Dr. Ike Hussain.

Aside from being an active member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows and the Anglican Church, Richard was also a founding member of the Manitoba Highland Gathering. He sat on the Manitoba Highland Gathering Committee until 1982 when he fell ill. Recovering, he became the Grand Chieftain at the Manitoba Highland Gathering Ceilidh in 1985 at the Selkirk Arena.

Richard Johnston passed away peacefully Selkirk General Hospital on June 20th, 1993. He is buried at the St. Clements Anglican Cemetery.