Roy Melvin Johnston Jr.

   Roy Melvin Johnston, Jr. 83, passed away peacefully on July 22 surrounded by the love of his family. Mel was born on September 13, 1932 in Petoskey Mich. to Roy and Iola Johnston of Harbor Springs.  He leaves to cherish his memory; his beloved wife Elaine of 57 years; his son Carter (Susie) Johnston of Santa Monica, CA; his daughter Sara (Jim) Kennedy of Efland, NC; two sisters, Lou Cegelis of Kentwood, Pat (Bob) McGuire of Brutus, sister-in-law Linda (Denny) Paganini and brother-in-law Jim (Jane) Evans both from Waterford; five grandchildren, Ariel (Hagai) Bernstein, Haylie (Richard) Gentilozzi, Dakota (Gordon) Whelpley, Keegan Kennedy(Heidy Wong), Sofie Kennedy(Arthur Gross); three great-grandchildren, Arava, Tevah, and Santino; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Lena Ross and her husband Herman.
     Mel grew up in Harbor Springs, Mich. and graduated from H.S. High School in 1950. He received his bachelor's degree in business from Western Mich Univ. then promptly headed to Germany to serve in the Army during the Korean War. Returning to W.M.U. to further his education, he met  Margaret Elaine Evans and was married April 5, 1958.
     Mel began his professional career as a sales representative for Coca Cola, he then became a sales manager for Mich. Carbonic in the greater Detroit area.  He then embarked on his entrepreneurial career starting a business with Elaine selling and leasing bar and restaurant equipment until retirement at age 75!
     Mel's passions over the years included his family, international travel and following the stock market daily. He was a kind, generous, thankful and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
     A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on August 13 at Harbor Springs United Methodist Church with Chaplain Edward Warner officiating. We will share a meal after the memorial followed by a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery in Harbor Springs.
     Those who wish are asked to consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, 1 Hiland Dr., Petoskey MI, 49770 or to the University of Michigan Pancreas Center Gift Fund. Checks may be made payable to University of Michigan and addressed to Medical Development 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or call 734 998-6893. Pre addressed envelopes will be available at the service.   Arrangements were made through Schiller Funeral Home. To share memories or offer condolences please visit online at stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

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