Robert Wilfred Johnston January 14, 1923 – May 26, 2006 Bob died surrounded by his loving family on May 26, 2006 at the family home. America has truly lost one of its greatest heroes. Bob was a POW for 3 ½ years, captured on Curregedor and suffered atrocities we can't even imagine during WWII. He was the recipient of numerous medals including:, the Purple Heart, The Combat Action Medal, the Prisoner of Way Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal and the United States Presidential Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Commendations. Pops was a true survivor. He grew up in Anacortes, the son of Wilfred and Anna (Haddon) Johnston. He had one brother, Mike and their reputation for mischief was notorious. Upon his release and honorable discharge, Bob re-enlisted and served his Country until January of 1950. Bob moved to Seattle in 1957 and worked for the Seattle Parks Dept. There he met and fell into the charms of Norma Joe and married her in October of 1963. They had "The Boys" while living in the Mountlake Terrace area, and in 1972 he had a little girl, Rebecca. She was the apple of his eye. Bob didn't want to raise his family in the city so they returned to Anacortes where they lived until 1980. The Johnston's have resided in La Conner ever since. Bob loved his family and unrelentingly provided for them throughout their lives. The things he enjoyed were nature, the water, and teaching his boys to work around the old Stump Ranch. He taught through chopping wood, mowing the lawn, weeding the garden and various chores to teach his work ethic. He put his family first above all else and made many sacrifices to support and provide for them. He was a leader by his great example. His father Wilfred taught Bob his work ethic as well as a love of nature, wood cutting and collecting agates. As much as things change they seem to stay the same. Bob and Norma enjoyed their meals together with bird feeders outside the window. He loved his birds and his faithful dogs Caesar (ornery just like him) and Jackson. They followed him everywhere. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Norma; children: Robert and wife Shelly, Willy and Rosemary, David and Rebecca Johnston; step daughters: Cindy and Joanna Orrick: step son: Mark Joe; grandchildren: Mark; and great-grandsons: Darryl and Jeremiah. . Dad never thought that he'd live long enough to see his grand children, but he did and he loved them very much. They are Amanda, Matthew, Jillian, Joshua, Andrea, Krista, Cory and Christian. He even got to see two great-grandchildren: Jordy and Mikailah. We love you Pops and will greatly miss you, but know you are rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus, with no more pain and suffering. GOD BLESS THE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN of the United States and fellow comrades Chester Cayou Sr. and Al Golliver. Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2006, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 1, 2006, 10:00 am at Viewcrest Assembly of God in Mount Vernon, followed by a Military Graveside at Hawthorne Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon.