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. The service will be livestreamed, click the following link to watch the service, https://www.youtube.com/live/Z47W97T_3ds?si=rDp-NgOl7cIsM-Pj 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
Jackie and Cully Koza
Apr 6, 2026Dear Wendy and family, We were so very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Dick. We are sending our sincere and deepest sympathies. Jackie and Cully Koza
Ellen Shanks
Feb 19, 2026Dear Wendy, Ian and family, I was very sad to hear about the death of Richard. I have many, many happy memories of our family together with the Johnston’s on Dufferin Avenue and of Motor at Camp White Bear in Temagami. He was a great guy! He called me after he heard about the death of my brother Steve a few months ago. So like Richard to be so kind and thoughtful. I send you my condolences. Fondly, Ellen
Robn Woodyard
Feb 18, 2026I will really miss my cousin. He was always considerate, and funny, and very kind. To Mary, Beth, and Andrew and especially Wendy, you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Mark Rosati and Margaret Burghardt
Feb 16, 2026Dear Wendy and Family, We are sorry for your loss. DIck was a pleasure to know and work with - he was kind, thoughtful and a great contributor to the medical community as well as our Orillia community as a whole. He will be missed.
Judith and James Beamish
Feb 16, 2026Dear Wendy and family, Thinking of you at this time and sending our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather . The City of Orillia will miss but will always remember Dick as a caring community minded professional . Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Judith and James Beamish
Deb McCloskey
Feb 13, 2026Dear Wendy and family, It was a great pleasure knowing and working with Dick at Soldiers and OMI over many years. He was greatly loved and respected, and we thank you for bringing him to visit us for our special staff lunches in later years. He was a cornerstone of our medical community for decades, and he will be fondly remembered. I will keep Dick and your family in my prayers.
Chris Thompson
Feb 12, 2026Dear Wendy, Andrew, Beth and Mary and families: we were sad to hear about Dick. Such a kind man and funny to boot! Thinking of you, wirh love. Christine (LaBrash) and Jim
John and Sue Kerteston
Feb 12, 2026Dear Wendy, Andrew, Beth and Mary. We are deeply saddened that Dick has passed. We were very lucky to have been neighbours for so many years, and we will always cherish the many fond memories of those years and the times we spent together. Dick was such a special person to so many people and he will be greatly missed. John, Sue, Jenni and Kari
Sue & Paul Browning
Feb 11, 2026We are so sorry to hear the new about Dick's passing. We have such fond memories of Dick and Wendy from our days at St. Paul's in Orillia. In addition to being such a respected physician, Dick was also thoughtful, kind, humble and such a champion for the communities that he was a part of. He was also a faithful writer of cards and letters. When we moved to London (his home turf) Dick sent us numerous card and letters to make sure we knew we had not been forgotten. The cards were often beautiful paintings or sketches of landmarks in the London and surrounding area. Our prayers and love are with you Wendy, and all the members of your family at this sad time. We were so blessed to know and share a part of our lives with you and Dick. In peace and love, Sue & Paul Browning
Elaine Francoz
Feb 11, 2026Dear Wendy Our condolences to you,Andrew,Beth,Mary and your family on the passing of Dick.His compassion as well as his sense of humour made him so special.He will be greatly missed by friends and family. Elaine and Allan Francoz
Marilyn Bromley
Feb 11, 2026So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He had quite a full and impactful life and will be remembered by many I am sure.
Jamie Hutchings
Feb 10, 2026I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Dick nearly as well as my parents Al and Wendy had, but his warmth and genuine interest in others were plain to see every time I met him. I wish I could properly convey to you the sheer respect and esteem that my father had for him — someone Dad felt was truly one of the very best of our citizens. Dick will be remembered fondly by many people for a long, long time.
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