Paul Johnstone

Paul Michael Johnstone, son of the late Noel Austin and Beatrice Lureen Johnstone, was born December 15th, 1951, in Bronx, New York. He was born and raised in the Catholic Church, and received his education in the New York City School System. Paul began his military career in 1972 as a certified heavy equipment operator (OP) with the United States Navy. His 20 years of service took him to Puerto Rico; Port Hueneme, California; Guam; and numerous remote assignments, including Diego Garcia and Antarctica. His last and final duty station was Naval Air Station, Mirimar. While attached to Public Works Division he retired with an honorable discharge in 1992. Later, Paul enjoyed his years as a tractor trailer operator for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2007. Brenda and Paul were united in marriage April 16, 1976 in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. From this union they were blessed with two children, Gia and Jason. During his retirement, he kept busy with ongoing home improvement projects; he was especially proud of the entertainment oasis constructed in his backyard. To all of us he was Mr. Build-It. You need help installing your sprinkler system, call Paul. You need a few shelves built, ask Dad. When he did something it was done right and he taught us to do the same (at least he sure tried!). He wanted us to get satisfaction from, and take pride in a job well done. He exemplified the Seabee motto: We Build, We Fight, We Can! Often Paul wore the hate of 'tour guide' to out-of-state family and friends; whereas he particularly enjoyed visits from Mom and Dad Brooks. He would organize trips to Las Vegas, tailgate parties at Padre Games, and beach days at Camp Pendleton. Paul loved taking the R.V. out for weekend trips to the beach to spend time in the sun. He loved spending hours at a time in the water playing with his granddaughter. Sunday afternoons were reserved for jazz concerts at the local wineries. He wasn't really one to get up nad 'cut a rug,' but you could always find him in the crowd bobbing his head to the beat. Summers were especially enjoyable; this was the time his granddaughter, Kailee, arrived in California. She was always thrilled to spend her school break with her Papa. At the end of the day, she would phone home and recap their crazy adventures, exclaiming, 'I had so much fun with Papa!' Little did she know, we all did ... and we have the stories to prove it! On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, Paul departed this life. He was preceded by father, Noel Austin and mother, Beatrice Lureen Johnstone; father-in-law, Robert L. Brooks and brother-in-law, James (Spankie) Newman. He leaves to cherish his loving memories: beloved wife, Brenda; two children, Gia and Jason (Dana); granddaughter, (Kailee); sister, Beatrice Brooks; brother-in-law, Barron (Juanita); sisters-in-law, Wandra (Gene), Ava, and Lelia; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends. Family and friends will meet at England Family Chapel at 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012 to visit, immediately followed by a memorial service with military honors at 1:00pm.