Dear Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

Our condolences to the Johnston family and loved ones. Terry was a great gym teacher when I was in Seaforth high-school and friend and coworker years later, also at SDHS. Our thoughts and prayers to all

Dear Jill and family, sending heartfelt condolences at this sad and difficult time. A life well lived and so many lives touched by his 💕. Lots of wonderful memories for each of you to cherish. Hugs to all!

Jill, Eric, Sarah and Kate and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope all your beautiful memories give you comfort during this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies to Kate and all of Terry’s family. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

Jill and family, My deepest sympathyon Terry’s passing. I have many fond memories of good times sharfed with Terry as a friend, mentor and colleague at Seafoth District High School. Dick

To Jill and Family, I’m very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Jim Nigh

Sending sincere sympathy to Jill and the entire family. Mr Johnston was a caring and encouraging teacher and coach. He will be missed.

Gord and Janice

Jill and Family:
Terry was one of a kind! How lucky I was to have Terry first as a teacher and then a colleague at both SDHS and CHSS. He was so kind to me as a new teacher. Ron also was fortunate to play Basketball with Terry as his coach. We both have many wonderful memories of Terry and so enjoyed his company at school, school events, and staff functions. Our sincere condolences to all of you. He will be missed by so many.
Lynne and Ron Godkin

To Jill and family, I am sorry to read this. I was lucky to have had a chance to catch up with Mr. Johnston at the Seaforth 150 last year at the Legion. I look back at my days at SDHS fondly and Mr. Johnston is always part of my memories.

Jill & family
MS deepest sympathies to you and your family.

I am glad we had the opportunity to have a visit last summer. Sorry to hear he lost his battle. It makes me wonder if one of my donations made it to him.

Jill and family — With warm and caring thoughts and deepest sympathy in your time of loss. My sincere condolences. He lived a good life and touched so many people over the years. I will never forget all the good things he did for Herb. Love, Anja

Terry was a great good friend sorry to hear of his passing

So sorry to hear of his passing. Always loved him as a person. Great teacher and coach.

So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing; sending sincere condolences to you Jill and the whole family. He made my days at SDHS with all the coaching and positive energy! Hugs

Thinking of the entire Johnston Family during this difficult time. Terry made a difference in so many lives in and out of school. Keep your memories close.

Jill and family

Terry was a wonderful friend and mentor to me as we taught and coached together for most of our teaching careers. I truly appreciate both him and Jill including me in family functions and parties as a young person. I learned a lot from him as a rookie coach. He was a coach and friend to so many athletes. My sincere condolences to the whole family.

Doug and Debbie Procter

Jill and family,

My condolences to the Johnston family.

It just seems like yesterday that our gang was at Central.
Thank you Jill for arranging Terry’s 80 Birthday.
What an emotional send off for our friend.

In our thoughts,
RIP fellow Centralite.

Dear Jill, Eric, Sarah, Kate, Ian, and families, please accept my sincere sympathy, and condolences.

Terry influenced my life in such a positive and inspiring way, challenging me to keep pushing forward, beyond limitations. The life lessons he taught me still resonate today.

I’m grateful for his treasured friendship.

Sending deepest condolences to Mrs. J, Eric, Sarah, Kate and Ian, and all your families 🙏

Over my 5 years at SDHS, Mr. J started as my phys ed teacher and soon became my track and basketball coach.

A dedicated coach never shy to show his competitive spirit, I fondly remember his patience with me, and how well he understood the importance of a pit-stop for baked goods at grandma’s house before or after practice — always a reliable place to source fudge, oatmeal cookies, or butter tarts!

I am grateful for his mentorship on school committees including the athletic association, where he led collaborations with the Seaforth BIA, teaching us fundraising strategies and making sure we all learned the importance of giving back to the community that raised us.

He drove countless kilometres on countless optional weekends, never asking for recognition, only wanting his students to have chances to lead, to fail, and to grow. I’m just one of the many students he took under his wing, and the old high school gym is such a fitting place to honour a man who gave us so much of himself and his family’s time.

Rest easy, Mr. J.
You’ve more than earned it.

Thinking of you, Jill and family.
My parents both experienced the compassionate Palliative Care at Parkwood in the past. I’m glad you got to be there with Terry. Hugs.

Jill and family , my deepest condolences to the loss of a wonderful husband and dad.
I’m not going to lie –
I was intimidated by Terry as a teacher in high school but as I as years passed I saw what an amazing person he was!
So very sorry for your loss.
Deanna McLean(Nobel)

Jill and Family
Sorry to hear about Terry’s death. It was nice to see him at Home Coming. Terry was a great coach for the girls. Hold onto the memories . Your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken,Deb,Tracy,Kim and Tammy

As Phys. Ed. department head at SDHS, Terry was always unbelievably supportive of all of the team coaches that he recruited through the years. His positive attitude and sense of humour never failed…thank goodness!

My deepest condolences Jill and family. Terry was a wonderful teacher and coach. He will be remembered by so many, may your memories carry you through this difficult time.

Jill and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of Terry’s family and friends. He was an significant part of Seaforth High School and our community and left many wonderful memories for past students to have of their time at school! I am sure lots of school sports and Mr. J memories were talked about at Homecoming last year! Thinking of you.
Maureen and Merv Agar

Dear Jill and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your families. I have fond memories of Terry throughout my high school years at SDHS. He was also my coach for high jumping and took me to WOSSA and OFSSA. It was good to see him a few years ago at a high school reunion.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Cindy

My deepest condolences to Jill and to the entire family. Terry was an awesome and inspiring coach. I will never forget his mentorship and guidance when I was on the cross country and track and field teams. The countless weekends he took us to meets during his own time will forever be remembered. I will also remember how he got me out of a week of detention so that I could go to cross country practice. He touched so many lives and will live on in our good memories of our time at SDHS.

Mary Hicks (Lammerant)

Much love sent to the whole Johnston family … Terry was a much loved man who always strived to live his life to the fullest. Can’t wait to reminisce at The Golden Bear’s gym!!

Dear Mrs. Johnston and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Johnston’s passing. I feel incredibly lucky to have had him as my Grade 9 physical education teacher at SDHS, and it was a true privilege to later return as a colleague when I was hired as a full-time member of staff in 1998. He was an outstanding teacher, a generous mentor, and a wonderful person to work alongside.

One of my favourite memories of him goes back to the summer of 1990 during a family vacation on the East Coast. My sister and I happened to spot you and Terry out exploring Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. The sheer shock and surprise on his face, seeing the “Bosman girls” leaning out of our car windows yelling, “Mr. Johnston!!” is a moment my family and I will never forget. It still brings a smile to our faces today.

He made such a meaningful impact on so many students and staff members over the years. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

With warmest regards,
Tracy (Bosman) McLennan

So sorry to hear of Mr. Johnston’s passing. He was our grade 9 – 13 physical education teacher back in C4th high school. Back in those days, we referred to our teachers by surnames…a respect that was not asked but commanded. He will be remembered as a great teacher and a good friend (once we graduated)

Terry was a very special friend to Margaret and I when we lived in Clinton in 2006. He took me under his wing as we taught together at Central Huron Secondary School until he retired in June. It was he who invited me to spend Fridays after work at the Legion Club with him and other colleagues. Terry was a larger-than-life person, so generous and caring. He and his childhood sweetheart, Jillian, shared the delights of Ontario with us and were so generous in spending time with us and taking us to so many events and places, often involving the sharing of meals, be that at their home or the delights of moose meatballs at a game supper in Seaforth. We shared such good times together and he had such an impact on us and on everyone he knew, and he knew so many people, all of whom loved him. Nothing was too much for Terry to do for you. It was he who said, “It’s been a pleasure” after spending time with you, and it was heartfelt. One-of-a-kind, never-to-be-forgotten, a great man and a great friend. Vale Terry. Comfort and strength to Jillian and the rest of his family.

Jill and Family:

On behalf of the Yates family allow me to extend our deepest condolences to your family. I knew and taught with Terry at Central Huron. I will remember his sense of humour and all of the great times and lunch time discussions in the staff room. Friday afternoons and euchre at the Legion were fabulous memories. Terry was also intensely proud of his family and their accomplishments. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Dear Jill and family- so very sorry for your loss. Terry was a wonderful encourager. It’s impossible to forget someone who gave so much to remember.

So sorry for your loss Jill & Family.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏

Liz (Reinink) Stryker/ Niagara ON.)

P.S. Mr. Johnston encouraged us to do our best in Phys. Ed. 🏃‍♀️ 🏆

Jill I mentioned you the other day as I still like speaking a little French and will always remember the LeDuc Family thanks to you! You were the best French Teacher a student could have!
Sending love ❤️ at this difficult time.
Liz

Our condolences to Jill and family, during this difficult time.

Jill and family. I was saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. He will be missed by so many people. Love and hugs to all of you.
Gwen Johnston

Jill, Eric, Sarah, Kate, Ian and family

I feel blessed to have had Terry in my life – first as a teacher and then as a coach and finally as a special friend along with a special friendship with Jill and the entire Johnston family.

Terry was an amazing person who has left footprints on my soul.

Love and Hugs,
Jayne

Jill and family,
Right from grade 9 Terry was encouraging and optimistic and really motivated me to enjoy physical fitness. He had a presence that just made everyone from kids in his gym class to kids on the basketball court want to do better and be proud of their performance. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Enjoy each other and all of the good memories you share together.

My condolences to Terry’s family.
I was one of the “thousands” of students that Terry taught at Seaforth District High School.
He left a lasting impression on me as a student and I enjoyed my classes with him ! Every time I ran into him later in life he always would have time for a chat.

My deepest condolences to Jill and the Johnston family. Terry was a legendary coach, teacher, father and mentor. He was so proud of his St. Mary’s University Huskies. We would share old football memories during rounds of golf. It was a pleasure to know him. May he rest in peace.

Jill and family – We knew it was coming but it is still a shock. Terry “Mr. Johnston” was a fixture of our school, our town, and our entire community for many years. In the gym, the hall, the classroom, always a smile. He was in many ways SDHS’ “golden bear”. I saw Terry last year at the homecoming and he was enjoying his drive around town with Jill – smiling at everyone. To all the family and his many close friends my sincere sympathy.

Jill and Family

My condolences to the Johnston family

Great coach lots of patience

Jill and Family: My deepest condolences on Terry’s passing. I always enjoyed coaching against Terry and the “Golden Bears”! He was an excellent teacher/coach who did a tremendous amount for the whole Seaforth community. As well, he contributed greatly to the Huron Perth, WOSSAA and OFSAA communities. I really enjoyed our professional friendship as well as our excursions to the University of Michigan for football, basketball and hockey games. His expertise was recognized far and wide and I’m sure that his “Golden Bears” legacy will continue to endure. Rest easy my friend.

Sincere condolences to Terry’s family. He was both a teacher and coach to us in high school.

Mary Ann & Frank

I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Johnston’s passing. He was my grade 9 phys. Ed teacher. He had a passion for the success of the students. Rest in peace Mr. Johnston.

Karen Murphy

Sending my heartfelt condolences Jill and family. What a good man. Very dedicated great teacher and awesome coach. Fortunately he was happy to meet his partner and wife of many years Jill. Another great person and teacher in our community and schools, Always encouraging and given spirit to each child and student they met. Thank you Terry you are missed.

Jill and family; I’ve read the tributes below and concur that Terry Johnston made a lasting impression on myriads of students and citizens. Jill, you and he were great friends to my mother at Seaforth Public School and all the decades later. If I remember correctly, Terry allowed me to be on the tennis team despite my serious lack of tennis skills. I tell people I made the team by default, being the only girl who tried out. He was a teacher ahead of his time, choosing players for their enthusiasm rather than their prowess.

I share your sorrow. He was taken from you too soon but oh the memories you can share!

Julie

My deepest condolences to Jill and the family. Terry was more than just a teacher and a coach to me. He always had time for me during my 5 years at SDHS and beyond. He fostered a love of the game of basketball for me and helped me to achieve a level of success in the game that I never thought possible. I can still hear him yelling “Cruze” every time I messed up on the court; but I always knew he cared and only wanted me to succeed. Thank you Coach, for everything! God Bless and may you rest in peace.
Cruze

Great man

So sorry to hear this. It took me a long time to appreciate how he pushed me to be better, but I am forever grateful that he did! My thoughts and prayers to each of you. Sincerely, Tony

Jill and family,
Sending our heartfelt condolences on Terry’s passing. He was such an important part of Bruce’s and thousands of other high school students’ lives at S.D.H.S. Treasure your beautiful memories as you pass through this difficult time.

Sincere condolences to Terry’s family. I didn’t have him as a teacher/coach in high school, but definitely knew him. He had a presence that you don’t forget.

Thankyou for giving SDHS the time you spent coaching the boys basketball ball teams and the rest of teams he coached.
The Wilkinson’s

Jill and family. We’re sorry for your loss.

Dear Jill and family,

It’s been many years … this sad news brings with it many fond memories of SDHS, you, Jill, and of course, Golden Bear, Terry.

Heartfelt condolences,

Chuck and Judy

Dear Jill and family, I was very sorry and sad to read of Terry’s passing. I would like to express my deep condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time. I’m sure, that Terry, being a teacher and a coach touched many lives and they will be much better off because of it. I hope that you will be able to cling to the many good memories that you and Terry shared. My heart is with you at this difficult time.

Jill and family,
We are so saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. He was such a dynamic presence in the SDHS family and in the Seaforth community. He had an amazing influence on so many of his students. Please know that we are thinking of you and all of the family.
Sincere condolences,
Gwen and John

Dear Jill, Eric, Sarah, Kate, Ian and families,

Mr. J was truly one of a kind. His fierce competitive spirit, passion for sport, and unwavering belief in his students left an incredible mark on so many lives. He had a special way of supporting his students, encouraging them to believe in themselves, and inspiring them to chase their athletic dreams.

Our hearts are with all of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories, the lives he inspired, and the love that surrounds your family.

Rest easy, Mr. J. You will be forever remembered.

With heartfelt love,
Faye & Dave Murray

Dear Jill and family,

“Mr. Johnston” was a great teacher and mentor. I remember watching him coach the Bears on the sidelines and share his FIREY passion for coaching them all to their full potential. He will be truly missed and sorry for your loss.

I am so very sorry to read this sad news. Mr Johnston was a fabulous gym teacher even though I was not a sporty gal I enjoyed the classes with him. My sincere condolences to his family and to Mrs Johnston who was my public school French teacher.