Johnston remembered

By Elizabeth Adler
Collegian Staff
October 31, 2007

University trustee, Brother John Johnston, F.S.C., passed away Oct. 11 after losing his battle with cancer at St. Francis Hospital in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn.

Johnston devoted the last 10 years of his life working on the Lasallian Mission of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, which has been changing the image of Brothers' schools into that of Lasallian schools.

Throughout his career, Johnston was an active man holding many positions.

Before commencing his work on the Lasallian Mission, he was a high school teacher and subsequently became a school administrator.

Following those endeavors, Johnston obtained a position as Director of the Order’s Student Brothers.

In 1971, Johnston was appointed to the position of Provincial of the St. Louis District of the Christian Brothers.

Five years later, he became the Vicar General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Rome and continued to move forward as he became the Superior General of the institute in 1985.

Traveling was always a large part of Johnston’s life and occupation. During his time as Superior General, he traveled to numerous countries with Brothers from the Christian Schools.

In 2003, he became the senior consultant for the Lasallian Association for Mission. As senior consultant, Johnston gave presentations not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Haiti, Africa and Mexico.

He was also known for conducting inspiring retreats for members of the board. Board member Laura McKenna stated she “was most impressed with the talks he gave at retreats.”

Johnston even played a role in McKenna’s conversion to Catholicism in 2004.

Colleagues and associates remember Johnston as a person who always moved beyond his official duties.

“He twice came to my class (a three hour evening class) to speak with our students about the role of Lasallian educators throughout the world,” Associate Professor of English Dr. Marjorie Allen said. “He took time to answer all of their questions and to show them how they were personally connected to so many Lasallian schools, despite his busy schedule the fact that he had been working all day long.”

Johnston was also remembered for his leadership and as someone who enjoyed working with youth.

“He was bold and visionary without being arrogant or judgmental,” said Brother Kevin Dalmasse, F.S.C. “He could be strong and decisive in the midst of ambiguity or uncertain times and he loved young people, especially those such as the Lasallian volunteers or other young educators, who offered themselves in service of those most in need.”

During the course of his illness, Johnston remained a lively participant at La Salle.

According to Dalmasse, who worked on the Student Affairs subcommittee of the Board of Trustees with Johnston, “[Johnston] participated as fully as possible and continued to be intensely interested in the welfare of La Salle’s students.”

Johnston spent 56 years as a Christian Brother and was known throughout the Christian Brothers’ community for his inspirational work ethic and outstanding leadership capabilities.

“I believe all the Brothers would join me in saying that Brother John provided great inspiration and leadership,” said La Salle President Brother Michael J. McGinniss. “I also believe that all members of La Salle’s Board of Trustees came to respect him as a man of great integrity and broad vision for the Lasallian mission and the Catholic Church around the world.”

Brother Robert Schieler, F.S.C. agreed with McGinniss saying, “I was always struck by his ability to remember the names of so many of the Brothers of the institute and a little bit about each of us.”

Johnston was remembered for exemplifying courage and understanding throughout his life, even during his fight with cancer.

Johnston was quoted in a reflection that was used for a homily as saying “During this past year when my health situation changed dramatically, I resolved with all my strength to continue living life to the fullest, to communicate lovingly with my family, friends, Brothers, Lasallian associates and to teach, by example, what it is to live, and to die, as a Christian, a Christian Brother, a man of faith.”

adlere1@lasalle.edu