ROBERT BOB JOHNSTON

Robert A. Johnston, age 92, died Nov. 29, 2010, in Richland. Bob was born in Jasper, MO, where he was raised with his 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

He graduated from Alba high school in 1937 and married his high-school sweetheart Noma Pryor on Sept. 7, 1940, in Neosho, MO.

In 1943, he was proud to have served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in India for 2 years and worked as a crane operator and truck driver. He was discharged from Fort Lewis, WA, in 1945.

Deciding that he liked what he saw while traveling through Washington, he moved his family to Richland in 1949, where he and Noma raised 4 sons. He also had 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

In April 1949, he began work at Hanford as a nuclear operator and he continued working at Hanford until his retirement in April 1983.

Bob loved woodworking and creatively painting his brightly colored "whirligigs," from ducks butterflies, and airplanes, to fountains with paddlewheels, and windmills.

Bob was a special man and will hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.

Per Bob's request, there will be no memorial services.