Richard Johnston

Rick Johnston served his country as an honorable solider and his family as a loving and devoted father, son and friend. From a young age, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life, and he never faltered in his quest to achieve these goals. He was a sincere, yet realistic person with a strong devotion to the principles of both hard work and a sense of purpose. Rick was not afraid to show his emotions. He loved his children and found great joy in them.

The 1970s were a time of great technological change in America. As computers and space exploration continued to evolve, millions became fixated on television shows and movies that explored these themes. By the middle of the decade, the United States was celebrating its achievements on all fronts as it commemorated its 200th anniversary. Meanwhile, at 11:33 a.m. on the warm autumn day of September 14, 1971, Rick Johnston was enjoying his very first moments in the arms of his parents, Mike and Sandie (Brainard) Johnston, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Baby Rick was welcomed home by his two-year-old sister, Patty, who had mixed emotions about his arrival. The two of them undoubtedly filled the house with their share of laughter, arguments and memories, which culminated in a close relationship in their adulthood.

Growing up, Rick was a typical boy, who, with a handful of neighborhood kids, would get into their fair share of mischief. Although many of these kids grew up and went away, Rick and his good friend, David Bowers, remained lifelong friends and stayed closely connected through the years. As a kid, Rick really enjoyed feeding the animals and could even get a squirrel to come right to his hand to take a cracker or cookie from him. Much to his mother’s dismay, he also brought home sick or wounded animals for her to nurse back to health. Rick was a very bright young man, though like many teenagers, he did his studying through “sleep osmosis”, and somehow managed to still pull decent grades. His father, Mike, was a good role model for Rick growing up as he worked in the printing business and often worked a second job to make ends meet for his family. This strong work ethic influenced Rick throughout his life.

Rick pretty much knew what he wanted to do in life – he wanted to be a police officer and help people in a good way. He became involved with the Explorers Group in high school, which was a program designed to help young people explore the possibility of becoming a police officer. It was through two tragic events as a teenager that Rick’s career choice became clearer. One profound event was the loss of a childhood friend , Jimmy Britton. The other was the tragic loss of his Uncle James, who was killed in a motorcycle accident. Both of these terrible accidents truly matured Rick and he realized that life is very unpredictable and at times, unmerited.

Rick graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1989, a truly great day in his life. He felt a sense of freedom and moved out of his parents’ home into his own place, starting his life as an adult. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he trained to be a MP. Rick proudly served his country overseas, stationed in Korea, the Panama Canal and Egypt. In honor of his military service, Rick will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery, a fitting tribute for a worthy serviceman.

After his honorable discharge, Rick returned to Kalamazoo area. With his background in military law enforcement he worked as a security officer, first at Borgess Hospital and currently at Pfizer, through Guardsmark Security. He also began pursuing his goal to be a police officer by being enrolled at Phoenix University, studying criminal justice.

Before leaving for military duty, he met Jamie Briley and while on leave, they were married. Their marriage did not last, yet Rick came away with two beautiful daughters. Carrie and Becca gave him a positive focus in life and so much joy. He later had a son, Damion, who was yet another incredible blessing in his life. He treasured each of their births as the greatest days in his life. Rick wanted to be a good, strong father for his children and worked hard to help support them. He cherished every moment he could spend with them and never left without giving them a kiss and telling them how much he loved them. He was always very proud of them. As he learned earlier in life, one never knows what the day will bring, so Rick made sure to do the same with his parents, letting them know what was in his heart.

When it came to his leisure time, Rick enjoyed watching movies, mostly action and mysteries. He was a big movie buff and had a large selection of DVDs in his collection. He was also a big Detroit Red Wings fan and caught their games as often as possible. A good cook, Rick enjoyed being in the kitchen and often made his delicious lasagna for his mother’s birthday. Above all else, Rick simply enjoyed being with his family which was an extremely large extended family. He had many aunts and uncles and cousins who always got together with them for reunions and holidays. It was within this family circle that Rick felt secure and the strong bond of love that kept the family together.

A caring and much loved young man with a giving heart, Rick aspired to help people in his community as a police officer. These brave individuals are often referred to as heroes and although Rick didn’t get the chance to attain his goal, he was a quiet hero, whose great deeds were softly given to the people fortunate enough to have him in their lives. He will be deeply missed.

Richard Lee Johnston, age 33 of Portage/Vicksburg, MI, died on Monday, May 30, 2005. Members of his family include his three children: Carrie, Becca and Damion; his parents, Mike and Sandie Johnston ; a sister, Patty Johnston; grandparents, Lee and Lillian Johnston; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He follows in death his grandparents, Jack Randall and Rose Carrier, and his Uncle James Johnston.

Learn more about Rick, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday, June 2, from 6-8 p.m. at the ™ - RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 3, at the same location. Please visit Rick’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Disabled American Veterans.