George Johnston

George Lee Johnston, 60, of Chubbuck, Idaho passed away, Sunday, December 15, 2013 after fighting a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

George was born on December 29, 1952 in Pocatello, Idaho to Charles and Verda (Butler) Johnston. He graduated from Burley High School in 1971. On July 5, 1972 he married Valorie Irene Kunz in Burley, and they had four children. They later divorced. He married Charlotte Ann Wedin Rucker in the Manti LDS temple on July 10, 2003.

George worked at various jobs in the Twin Falls and Burley areas including managing retail and music stores. He had a passion for photography and opened up his own studio with his best friend, Kim Critchfield. He was very talented, and won many awards for his photography. George was a natural at handy work–there wasn't anything around the house he couldn't fix, including electronics, and he even worked as a handyman for a while. One of the things he loved most in life was playing the guitar and making music with his family and friends. He began playing in bands in his high school years. He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed taking his family on many camping trips. Everyone that has ever met George would tell you that he had the greatest sense of humor, and loved to laugh. Even as his health gradually declined George always had a smile for family and friends. He was also a very kind and gentle person. He was a High Priest in and a faithful member of the LDS church throughout his life, and loved the gospel.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte Johnston of Chubbuck, ID; his children Maggie (Dave) Reaber, of Shoreline, WA; Katie (Jeff) Vaughan, of Great Falls, MT; Michael Johnston, of Oakland, CA; Rebecca Johnston, of Seattle, WA; step-daughter, Stephanie (Doug) Stander, of Hagerman, ID; brother, Charles "Jerry" (Joyce) Johnston, of Richfield, ID; and eight grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Charles, Connor, Gracie, Parker, Nathan and Zach.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Verda Johnston, and his brothers Hal Johnston, and Mack Johnston.

A funeral service in his honor will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Paradise LDS Ward Chapel, located at 147 Bringhurst Road, in Chubbuck, ID, with Bishop Fred Zundel conducting. His interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Pocatello. Viewings will be held Wednesday evening at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road from 5:00-7:00pm and from 12:00-12:45pm at the Bringhurst chapel before the funeral service.