Robert Johnston

It is with a heavy heart that I share the loss of Robert E. Johnston (Bob) on February 27, 2025, after his battle with dementia. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Alta Ridge Memory Center, where he was so loved and cared for, and to the Auburn Crest Hospice team — Jaque, Pam, and Dr. Sanderson — who attended to his personal and medical needs with such professionalism and love.

Bob was born on July 12, 1947, to John P. and Fern Johnston in Salt Lake City. He enjoyed a happy, carefree childhood in the Sugar House area, where he completed his education. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. With the help of the GI Bill, he pursued higher education in Computer Science/IT. His first job was with Continental Bank as a computer programmer, and he later joined Regence (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Utah), where he worked for over 30 years as Vice President of Information Services. This career brought lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply, sharing great times over weekly golf games, road trips to Moab and Mesquite for golf, poker nights, and lunches at Cottonwood Café and Crown Burger. A special thank you to his dear friends Tom Carl, Rob Tateoka, Dr. Doug, Pete Sauer, Bob Carter, Reid Greenwood, Frank Leonard, and Dick West (deceased) for the years of friendship and for keeping in touch throughout this journey. A special thank you as well to his best neighbor, Tay Merrill, for all the lunch outings, front porch chats about sprinkler system woes, and trips to Home Depot.

Bob married the love of his life, Beth Morland, and they recently celebrated 45 wonderful years together. They shared many loves together — daily walks through the neighborhood, where they knew and visited with everyone, home improvement projects, hours spent working in the yard, trips to Wendover, RV adventures to the mountains and streams to fish, and most of all, cruising the open seas. Together, they completed 38+ cruises, enjoying the waves, stunning sunsets, delicious food, and meeting new people along the way.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Beth, who will miss him beyond words. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeffery; his sisters-in-law, Diane Nelson and sister, Karen Wade.

Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no funeral services or flowers. He never liked to be fussed over, so in lieu of viewings and cemeteries, I encourage you to play your best round of golf in his honor and have a cold one on him.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful friends and neighbors for the love and support shown throughout this difficult dementia journey and in Bob’s final days. Your kindness has meant the world.

Arrangements have been made through Jenkins-Soffe Cremation Center