Donald “DJ” Earl Johnston, 72, of Sweet Home, passed away May 7, 2023.
He was born Feb. 25, 1951, in Emmett, Idaho, the son of Wilbur Earl and Mayme Louise (Verville) Johnston. His family lived in Roseburg, then moved to Sweet Home in 1963.
Donald started work at Willamette National at 17 years old. It changed to Willamette Industries, now as Weyerhaueser. He retired in 2016 after 45 years of service. He helped train new electrical/millwright trainees.
DJ, as most knew him, was a kind and giving person who took great pride in helping others. He gave to veterans causes and Native American kids.
DJ cherished his family and cat Bob more than anything.
He enjoyed cutting wood, riding three wheelers and quads, playing with grandkids, building birdhouses going to the coast and rockhounding.
He restored his old ’57 Chevy pick up with Richard and Vance. They are hoping to get “rat rod” on the track to race in honor of their Grandpa.
He was devoted to helping Justin in his forestry competitions, supplying him with a chainsaw and a grinder for perfect sharpening. Justin intended to restore a 1925 Star.
They also built a catapult for a science project that surpassed all expectations.
DJ is survived by wife of 53 years, Sue Johnston of Sweet Home; children Buddy Johnston, and Wanda and Richard Wolfe, all of Sweet Home; grandchildren Vance and Sierra and their son Taw Michael Wolfe of Amity, and Justin and Kara Wolfe of Sweet Home; sisters Darlene Oniel of Roseburg and Edna Fest of Milwaukie; in-laws Bubba Shelton of Chester, Calif., Trudy and Les Zemmer of Baker City, Judy Nord of Pendleton, Dorthy Johnston of Brownsville, and Martha Johnston of Oak Harbor Wash. DJ was preceded in death by siblings Bill Johnston, Wayne Johnston and Beverly Mills; brothers-in-law Ollie Oniel and Paul Shelton; sister-in-law Kim Wilson; and in-laws Juanita and Tom Bradshaw.
Memorial contributions can be made to Safe Haven Humane Society or the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance. District. The family wants to send a special thanks to his caregiver, Sue Schultz, and the Signature Health Hospice team.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.