Obituary of Ronald C. Johnston

Ronald C. Johnston, age 80, of Ransomville husband of Margaret “Peggy” Murr Johnston entered into rest on Christmas eve night Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at Niagara Hospice House Lockport, NY. RJ was born on September 24, 1939 in Niagara Falls, NY. He is the son of the late Clifford F. and the late Edna Bluhm Johnston. He married his loving wife of 56 years Peggy on February 16, 1963 in Youngstown, NY. He went on to serve in the United State Army stationed in Korea from May 1963 to March of 1965. Ronald was a 3rd generation small business owner, operating Johnston’s Restaurant in Ransomville for 25 years. He worked for the Niagara County Water District from 1995 to 2005 retiring as the Administrative director. RJ was the Town of Porter Supervisor from 1977 to 1995 and was named Town republican of the year for 30 years of active public service. Ronald was an active volunteer with Ransomville Vol. Fire Dept. Joining May 1, 1958 serving 55 years, during his time he served as President in 1961, Fire Chief from 1967 to 1971 and also held the positions of Lieutenant and asst. Chief and was Instrumental in starting junior firefighter’s organization called “The Ransomville Lantern Boys”. This was a group of individuals 16-17 years old that helped the firemen until the age of 18 at which time they became firemen fully trained by Ron and a group of individual instructors and leaders. RJ was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at North Ridge. He is survived by his wife Peggy; his children Janet Meyer of Mechanicsville, VA; Roger (Kelly) Johnston of Spartanburg, SC; Dale (Rosemary) Johnston of Wilson, NY and Hannah (Michael) Bell of Richmond, VA.; his 12 grandchildren Matthew, Nathan, Timothy and Margaret Meyers; Sam, Jarret, Katlin and Julia Johnston also Brian, Peter, Joseph and Adam Bell. Also surviving is a sister in-law Prudy (Skip) Walters; a niece Hilary (Dan) Stec; a nephew Andrew (Dottie) Walters and dear cousin Linda Jeffords Family and friends may call on SUNDAY from 2-7 PM at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. 3648 Ransomville Rd. Ransomville, NY 14131. Funeral service will be held on MONDAY (Dec 30) at 11:00 am in St. Peter's Lutheran Church at North Ridge, 4169 Church Rd.in Cambria with Rev. Robert Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow in North Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church t North Ridge, 4169 Church Rd., Lockport, NY 14094 or Ransomville Vol. Fire Dept. Ambulance Fund P.O Box 239 Ransomville, NY 14131. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online condolences.