Passed away peacefully at Mariposa Hospice House in Orillia on February 5, 2026. A man of great integrity, wisdom, and humour. Richard was born in London, On on Dec. 29, 1941, and was a devoted son to the late Lillian Elliot Johnston (Uren) and Dr. William Sanders Johnston (the Colonel). Beloved husband of fifty-eight years to Wendy (Wilkins), adored father of Andrew Johnston, Beth Kudar (Tyler), and Mary Johnston (John MacDonald). Cherished grandfather of Calvin, Claire and Henry. Beloved brother to Ian Johnston (Marilyn) and the late Penny Johnston. Treasured uncle to many nieces and nephews. Precious cousin to many. He will be dearly missed by all.
Born and raised in London, Ontario, Richard attended the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Medicine (1969), followed by a Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology from McMaster University (1974). After moving to Orillia with his young family in 1974, he served as a respected obstetrician and gynecologist for forty-five years at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, where he was a distinguished physician and community leader. At OSMH he instituted perinatal rounds, helped to establish a fertility clinic, and his standardized order sets now apply to every hospital procedure across Canada. His medical leadership extended provincially and nationally, including roles on the council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and as founding chair of the Ontario Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership by the Ontario Medical Association for his outstanding service.
Always community minded, passionately curious, and with a strong sense of justice, he also co-founded several community initiatives, including the Take a Vet to Dinner event, the Orillia Museum of Art and History annual fundraising dinner, Mariposans for Refugees, and Save Our Soldiers (SOS). He was a longtime member of the Orillia Amnesty International Group, a supporter of the Couchiching Conservancy, and a director on the Leacock Medal for Humour board. For over fifty years, he was an active and devoted member of St. Paul’s United Church in Orillia, serving with Wendy as Co-Chairs of the Board. Sacred places for Dick also included Kincardine, which he called his spiritual home, Temagami, and Georgian Bay.
Admired not just for his many accomplishments, he will be remembered more for his kind and loving nature. Everything he did he did with grace, compassion, and caring.
He was always aware of those in the community who needed a card, note or phone call. He never forgot a birthday.
A proud Orillian and Canadian, he was awarded the Order of Orillia in 2002, named Orillia’s Citizen of the year in 2007, and was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. He was inducted into Orillia’s Hall of Fame this past October, 2025.
Thank you to Mariposa House Hospice, Dr. Sochaniwskyj and Cayley Winter for extraordinary care and support. A Celebration of Life will take place at St. Paul’s United Church on Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mariposa House Hospice, St. Paul’s United Church, or Amnesty International would be greatly appreciated and will be received by Carson Funeral Homes – L.Doolittle Chapel 54 Coldwater St. E Orillia (705)326-3595.
Condolences
Lori Kennedy
Feb 10, 2026He was a very caring and lovely Dr to work with...on the bottom of every written order was the added TLC for every patient...
Lorrie McColl RN
Feb 10, 2026My deepest sympathy to Dr. Johnston’s family.. I the pleasure of working with Dr. Johnston at OSMH for a good many years. Period he was a very kind man and very knowledgeable. He had a great sense of humour and a great smile. His patients and the staff that he worked with appreciated his kindness. He will be greatly missed.
The Edmonds Family
Feb 10, 2026Our condolences, he was a wonderful Doctor to work with and a Great man, The Edmonds Family
Brendan Calder
Feb 10, 2026As my brother-in-law for over 50 years, he was always full of intelligence, humour and love. A helluvaguy, for sure.
Grant Coome
Feb 10, 2026Very sorry for the loss of your father, Beth. A great guy, dedicated physician, definitely a life well lived and an example for us all. Big loss for Orillia.
Gordon Launchbury
Feb 9, 2026Sending our condolences to family and friends of Dr. Johnson Sincerely Gordon Launchbury
Sue Harris
Feb 9, 2026Dr. Johnston was the most beautiful human being I have ever had the privilege of calling my friend. He became a dear & loving friend to my Mum, Marjorie E. Jackson (Harris nee Perkins, after our trip to Toronto to meet Queen Elizabeth II due to the anniversary of the naming of our Queen Elizabeth Wing. His presence as a member of our SOS team gave all of us members respect, guidance & his full support. An absolute pillar of our hospital & our Orillia community. So very honoured to have know home & called him my friend. Such a grievous loss indeed. God Bless you & Keep you Dr. Johnston.
Tracey Makar
Feb 9, 2026Dear Wendy, I was so sadden to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a gentleman and cared so deeply for people. He was such a big presence in the office in Mississaga street that we shared with him for many years. Always available for a chat or advice, he was a great comfort to me over the years I knew him and will be greatly missed to the hospital community. You and your family will be in my prayers. God be with you, Tracey
Mike and Margie McParland
Feb 9, 2026Wendy and family, so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike and Margie McParland
Deb Elliott
Feb 9, 2026I am truly saddened to hear of Dr. Johnstons passing. I was fortunate to have him as my on/gyn for the pre natal care and delivery of both of our daughters. He was always kind, caring and supportive. I was also blessed to observe him in a professional setting while working at Soldiers. His bedside manner was always without reproach. This extended to all levels of staff. A true gentleman. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.
Lesley Bridges
Feb 9, 2026Dear Wendy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Dick. He will be missed by our whole community, but most especially by you, his loving family... All the best, Lesley