A B.Sc. and M.Sc. graduate of OAC, he was a research scientist with Agriculture Canada before being seconded to U of G in 1953. One of his most widely recognized contributions was the invention of the Yukon Gold potato. The variety was released 20 years ago, and many potato breeders in North America and Europe use the Yukon Gold as a standard they must meet for successful introduction of new yellow- fleshed varieties.

In addition to the Yukon Gold, Mr. Johnston was involved in the introduction of a number of other registered varieties that have been used in commercial production, including the Red Gold, Rose Gold, OAC Temagami Trent and Simcoe. Even after retiring from U of G in 1980, he remained active in breeding new potato cultivars.

Predeceased by his wife and a son, Mr. Johnston is survived by four children, Maureen Drescher of Human Resources, Gary, Wayne and Bob; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.