Kenneth Fred Johnston
SPRINGFIELD - Ken Johnston (74) passed away peacefully January 6, 2024, in Springfield, Oregon surrounded by his family.
Ken was born October 19, 1949 to Kenneth Leo and Martha Jane Johnston (Scarlett) in Pocatello, Idaho. Ken graduated from CMR High School in Great Falls, Montana in 1968. It was in Great Falls where he would marry the love of his life on September 15, 1973, in Portage, Montana.
Upon graduation from college at MSU in Bozeman, Montana, Ken worked as a high school teacher in Havre, Montana. In 1981 he accepted a teaching job that would lead him to the rest of his life in Springfield, Oregon. The family arrived in Springfield with their two kids and a Labrador in August of 1981. Ken taught Marketing and Accounting at Springfield High School for the next 26 years. In his time at SHS, he was the Women’s Tennis Coach, the DECA Advisor and ran the student store. After retirement Ken taught part time at Lane community College.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Martha, sister Sallie Clinard, brother Phil, brother in-law Bob Simpson, niece Jenny Davis, nephew John Backus and dear friend Roger Kojetin.
Ken is survived by his soul mate of 50 years, Linda, son Roger (Robbi), daughter Jodi
( Joe) Steward, sisters Judy Simpson and Kathleen Robinson and sister-in-law Ann Johnston and her daughter, Rachel. Ken was loved as Bapa to 6 beautiful Grandchildren, as uncle to 18 nieces and nephews and a trusted teacher to thousands of students.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 215 “C” St. in Springfield on March 29th at 5:30pm. Oregon Duck attire is appropriate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to SHS DECA Chapter.
If you have a memory you would like to share, send it directly to jodi.steward@gmail.com so his grandchildren will know the power of one person changing so many lives.