Donald Robert Johnston
September 13, 1959 – November 17, 2025

With family by his side, Don Johnston, age 66, husband to Joanne Johnston, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, November 17, 2025.

Donald Robert Johnston was born on September 13,1959, at Brandon Regional Health Centre, Manitoba, to Robert Arthur Johnston and Doreen Janet Johnston (Stuart). Don grew up in Brandon's east end, surrounded by family, familiar neighborhood streets, and the early influences that shaped him into the dedicated and hardworking man he became.

Don attended Riverview School, Earl Haig, and Crocus Plains. He achieved both his Power Engineering ticket and his Real Estate License, accomplishments he earned through determination and unwavering work ethics. Outside of work, Don had a passion for rebuilding cars and trucks, and he held a deep appreciation for antiques.

His strong work habits began in childhood, helping in the family business, Doreen's Grocery and Confectionary, a store that included a coffee shop, grocery section, and delivery service. His first official job was at Wolseley Plumbing and Heating.

Don's lifelong career at the Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC) began when he worked in housekeeping at Norwood Gardens alongside Joanne's father, Ed Vandermeulen. In 1979, he became a STEP student on BMHC grounds. From there, he steadily worked his way through the departments: maintenance, shift engineer, assistant shift engineer, chief engineer, and ultimately Facility Manager 4, the highest level of facility management. Don's dedication, passion, and pride across his 48-year career ensured that BMHC was always cared for with precision and integrity.

Don lived his life in a traditional, principled way-he drove by the book, worked by the book, and carried himself with loyalty and consistency. He had a gift for seeing the best in people and recognizing their individual strengths. Many who worked alongside him or under his leadership shared how much Don helped them grow and how his guidance left a lasting, positive impact on their lives. He had a soft spot for his students, a forgiving nature, and a level-headed approach to any problem placed before him.

In 1985, Don welcomed his first son Brett into this world and 4 years later he was blessed with another son, Kyle. Don loved his boys with all of his heart and was deeply proud of them. He instilled in them strong values and showed them the meaning of hard work. He supported them in all of their endeavors and was always there when they needed him. Don loved spending time with his sons and his grandchildren. He was a one-of-a-kind father, grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.

His devotion to BMHC played an unexpected but meaningful role in his personal life as well. Don and Joanne's shared passion for the historic buildings and the work they did eventually brought them together. They married in 2016, creating a partnership grounded in mutual respect, dedication, and deep love. They remained devoted to each other through every challenge, right to the very end.

For the past two years, Don faced significant health challenges that were later diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Despite the difficulty and the toll of treatment, Don chose to fight with courage and determination. Even when the treatments became too hard, his will to keep going never wavered. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family-held in love, comfort, and the presence of those he cared for the most.

Don will be remembered for his strength, his unwavering dedication, his steady loyalty, and his deep love for his family. His presence will be missed beyond words, but his impact and memory will live on in all who knew him.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Robert Arthur and Doreen Janet Johnston, and his nephew, Bradley Johnston.

Don is lovingly remembered by his family. He leaves behind his wife, Joanne Johnston; his sons Brett (Trish) and Kyle (Jessica) Johnston; his stepdaughters Jennifer (Chris) Desjardins and Tiani (Drew) Somers; and his eight grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly. He is also survived by his brother Brent (Charlene) Johnston, niece Kimberly (Tyler) Harrison, and extended family.

A Celebration of Don's Life will take place at the Victoria Inn, Imperial Ballroom, 3550 Victoria Avenue, Brandon on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will take place one hour prior to the service.

Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation – Western Manitoba Cancer Centre or Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3.