BANGOR and HOLIDAY, Fla. Russell E. Johnstone, 79, died Feb. 25, 2006, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. He was born July 2, 1926, in Alfred, the son of John E. and Ida (Lockwood) Johnstone. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. Russell served time in the South Pacific and was badly wounded in Iwo Jima. He received the Purple Heart, the American Theatre ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon. Russell was honorably discharged Oct. 24, 1945. He took great pride in his country and his family. Russell was a very generous and giving man all of his life to family, friends and anyone in need. He was a life member of the 4th Marine Division, Chapter 21, the BVA and the VFW of Lovell. Russell enjoyed traveling and was able to return to Iwo Jima in 1985. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Priscilla (Bassett) Johnstone; four children, Russell E. Johnstone Jr. and his wife, Roberta “B.J.,” Jill Jutrus and her husband, David, Jayne Libbey and her husband, Dennis, Jacalyn Fearon and her husband, Paul; four grandchildren, Jenny Murphy, Bethany Johnstone, Jessica Libbey and Justin Libbey; four stepgrandchildren, Megan Fearon, Alyson Fearon, Ashley Jutrus, Lauren Jutrus; two great-grandchildren, Patrick and Jack Murphy; two brothers, Earl Johnstone and Lucien John-stone; five sisters, Bertha Garland, Lois Fluet, Shirley LeTourneau, Ruby Johnstone and Nancy Hobbs; also many nieces and nephews. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff on NHCU73 Togus for their loving care of Russell. Private services will be held at a later date. Those wishing to remember Russell in a special way may contribute in his memory to the VAMROC, 1 VA Center, Attention Volunteer Services, Augusta, ME 04330. Please make checks payable to Voluntary Services/Exclusive for NHCU73. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.
RUSSELL E. JOHNSTONE
