George Melford Johnston

George M. Johnston

George M. Johnston died December 1, 2013- 5 days after his 83rd birthday. He was born in 1930 in Walsh, Colorado. His family were farmers and ranchers in Eastern Colorado. George attended Granada high School where he met Zora his future wife. They were married in 1950 in Bristol, Colorado at Zora's family farm. he enlisted in the Air Force and served as a Military Policeman. While in the service, George and Zora enjoyed touring the country on their Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was later stationed in Japan. During this time, Curtis, their son, was born. After leaving the Air Force, George and Zora move to Grand Junction, Colorado where their daughter Debi was born. He worked in Grand junction for the Prinster Brothers who owned City Market and Zora worked as a telephone operator. George and family moved to Durango, Colorado in 1970 where he and Zora owned and operated Johnston Frozen Foods. After retiring, the couple moved to Farmington, New Mexico.

He was an accomplished wood carver, enjoyed painting,prospecting, shooting, playing guitar and singing. He also loved riding motorcycles and horsed, but especially loved spending time with his family.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Zora; parents George B. and Clara Johnston; brother John and sister Hazel.

He is survived by brother James(Sheila) Johnston, daughter Debi (Philip) Craig of Durango, son Curtis (Marya) Johnston of Grand Junction, Colorado; grandchildren Travis(Brittney), Curtis (Erika) and Brandon (Lacy) Craig, Mackenzie Johnston and Kea (Owen) Smith; and great grandchildren Maddox and Brooklyn Craig.

His family and friends said he had a heart of gold and such a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed.

A memorial service for G.eorge will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m.. December 14, 2013, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington, New Mexico. He would have liked that friends and family contribute to the National Alzheimer's Foundation in memory of Zora.