Obituary of William Wayne Johnston LLB LLM
William “Bill” Wayne Johnston LLB LLM, born October, 1942 in Timmins, Ontario, passed away peacefully in the company of his wife of 59 years, Marion, on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Bill first met Marion (then Perry) on a train trip in the Maritimes. After watching her reflection in the mirrored window for hours, he finally got up the courage to start a conversation on the arrivals platform, but they forgot to exchange names before they went their separate ways at the exit. On the return trip, fate reunited them — and with a simple “Is this seat taken?” their life together began.
Bill and Marion developed deeply meaningful relationships with Bill’s brother Bob’s wonderful daughters, and so many friends and colleagues (both old and new), several of whom quickly became their cherished chosen family.
In his early life, Bill’s father’s career as a banker took the family across Canada, including Edmonton, St. Catherines, London, Toronto and Montreal, and finally, St. John’s Newfoundland, where Bill completed a Bachelor of Arts at Memorial University, a welcome escape from his Sputnik inspired first year in engineering.
Bill was student president, captain of the basketball team, and an avid member of the debating team – all while fitting in a sometimes too active social life. It was his enthusiasm for inter-provincial debating that led him to Queen’s University where he excelled in law school. Even in those early years, his special interest was in criminal law.
After articling with the Ministry of the Attorney General, followed by a brief time with a corporate law firm, he moved to Kitchener and joined the Crown Attorney’s office where he was a prosecutor for 25 years. He was most enthusiastic when handling major cases and was known as a formidable cross-examiner.
He shared his enthusiasm and quick wit with his many students as an adjunct professor of criminal law in the Political Science Department at the University of Waterloo for 20 years.
Bill balanced his legal career with his exuberance for his many interests outside of work: tennis, golf, skiing, sailing, and photography. His love of traveling led to many wonderful winters spent in San Miguel de Allende where he became fluent in Spanish.
Those who knew Bill will also remember him for his unwavering commitment to prostate cancer research with Dr Joe Chin at London Health Science Centre, that led to significant improvement for other men facing advancing cancer.
Bill left all he met with memories of his quick wit, curiosity, direct yet charming manner, artistic eye and well-honed skills of persuasion. He will be greatly missed.
Cremation has taken place, and there will not be a service at this time.
In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to a charity of your choice may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.