Lewis Armour Johnston, 68, passed away on May 11, 2017, in the place he loved the most….at the cabin he built on his childhood ranch. Lewis spent his early years growing up on Butte Creek, ranching with his parents and siblings, holding the (self-proclaimed) distinction of being the only one who could rake the hay. His love for the outdoors, and old ways of living, were part of his spirit, his parents remarking that he was born a hundred years too late.
Lewis attended the local schools in White Sulphur Springs, and maintained close relationships with his friends from those days. As an adult, Lewie was able to make a career of being who he was at the very core, a woodsman, through and through. His obsession with wood was well known, often joked about, and occasionally lamented by those who knew him best. But there wasn’t a tree this man couldn’t fall, with admirable precision, right up to the end. When it came to sniffing out a bargain, or bartering for the best deal in town – on anything – Lewie was the man for the job.
Lewis treasured most his time at the cabin, retelling the tales of his childhood, finding comfort in the memories of raising his own children there, and sharing Butte Creek with all of his beloved grandchildren. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his twinkling smile, his generous heart, and always having a less-than-traditional approach to getting a job done. Lewis Johnston was truly one of a kind, and he will be forever in our hearts.
Lewis was born on August 11, 1948. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Murray and Neva Lou (Armour) Johnston, his brother James Murray Johnston, and his son Luke Shannon Johnston. He is survived by daughter, Erica Johnston (Helena) and her children Makayla, Braeden, Tucker and Candice; daughter, Grace Johnston (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) and her children Trevor, Olivia and Ashton; daughter-in-law Kami (Burns) Heinz and her children Kyla and Cheyanne; siblings Rick (Kate) Johnston, Carlin (Don) Cameron, Maggie (Steve) Buckingham, and sister-in-law Brenda (Jim) Johnston. Lewis also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A Memorial Service is planned for 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15, at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E Garfield in White Sulphur Springs. A reception will follow the service at the Lane Bar in White Sulphur Springs. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Lewis.
Beth Angermeier says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
susan Evans says
Kate and Maggie , Sorry about Louie. Glad he was able to live as he wished, Butte Creek.
Debbie Welch says
My condolences your loss of a great man Louie. In our thoughts and prayers, Pat and Debbie (Ramsey)Welch