Banquet room named for W.A. "Allie" Johnston

by Keely Grasser

Sep 26, 2007

SOUTH RIVER – He was a veteran, legion president, member of provincial parliament, councillor, family man and friend to many in the community.

Now Allister Johnston’s name will live on in the banquet room of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 390 in South River.

The room was officially designated the W.A. “Allie” Johnston Banquet Room during a dedication ceremony held on Sept. 20.

Johnston, who passed away in 2005 at age 97, served in the Second World War with the Algonquins Regiment, retiring in 1945 as a major. He was later made an honourary lieutenant-colonel with the regiment.

He founded W.A. Johnston Insurance in South River, a business his sons still run today.

Johnston represented the Parry Sound riding at Queen’s Park for 24 years, having also served as a town councillor, chair of the South River school board and past-president of the South River legion.

When it was decided earlier this year that the banquet hall would be named, legion member Ron Maeck said they decided to ask their membership to submit possibilities. Johnston’s name was submitted, and officially accepted after a vote at a legion meeting.

“He would have been very, very honoured,” said his son, Jack Johnston, who, along with other family members, was present for the dedication.

“He was very proud to be part of the legion,” explained daughter Lynne Lawrie, adding that he joined right after the war.

Johnston included his beloved community in all aspects of his life, she said. “He had incredible energy for life.”

Despite his many achievements, Lawrie said, her father always said his greatest accomplishment in life was his many friendships.

Johnston being chosen as the namesake for the banquet room shows the impact he had on others.

“It just reminds us that he was very special to other people, too,” said Lawrie.