Obituary: Oscar William Johnston (Jan. 10, 1931 - Oct 14, 2009)

He passed away Oct. 14, 2009, in Smith River, Calif.

Growing up, he helped tend an orange grove with his dad. In his teens, Oscar bought and fixed up cars to race with his buddies at the Pomona fairgrounds.

Through friends, Oscar met and started dating Jean, who lived in neighboring San Dimas. After high school, he earned a degree in art at Mt. San Antonio College.

Oscar was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and served as a draftsman. He and Jean married in 1953 and they moved to Texas where Oscar was stationed.

The couple returned to West Covina where Oscar worked as an engineer for a water company and they started a family.

 In 1964 the Johnston family moved north to Smith River. They bought a small house with some land and Oscar started a new business using his artistic talent and craftsmanship.

Life in the country suited Oscar and his family. Daily walks on the beach, being surrounded by the wildlife that inspired him, Oscar was able to create the artwork he loved. Wood sculpture was his mainstay, but he ventured into many other medias. His favorite subject was  wildlife, mainly birds.

Oscar felt very fortunate to be able to live in an area he loved while pursuing his passion. His quiet, creative personality will be missed by his family and friends. They will cherish the memories they have and treasure his artistic creations that so elegantly show his love of nature.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Johnston of Smith River; children Kent and Kellie Johnston of Longview, Wash., Grant Johnston of Brookings, and Dana and Craig Bates of Danville, Calif.; grandchildren Rhen and Cody Johnston and Michelle and Stacey Bates.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Smith River Methodist Church, Beckstead and First Streets.

Contributions may be made, in Oscar’s name, to  The American Cancer Society, 1301 Northcrest Dr., Crescent City, CA 95531 or the Smith River Methodist Church, P.O. Box 810, Smith River, CA 95567.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.