Dr. Richard Johnston

Dr. Richard Johnston passed away peacefully at Mariposa Hospice House in Orillia, Ont., on Feb. 5, 2026.

A man of great integrity, wisdom and humour. Richard was born in London, Ont., on Dec. 29, 1941, and was a devoted son to the late Lillian Elliot Johnston (Uren) and Dr. William Sanders Johnston (the Colonel). Beloved husband of fifty-eight years to Wendy (Wilkins); adored father of Andrew Johnston, Beth Kudar (Tyler) and Mary Johnston (John MacDonald); cherished grandfather of Calvin, Claire and Henry; beloved brother to Ian Johnston (Marilyn) and the late Penny Johnston; treasured uncle to many nieces and nephews; precious cousin to many. He will be dearly missed by all.

Everything he did he did with grace, compassion, and caring.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Richard attended the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Medicine (1969), followed by a Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology from McMaster University (1974). After moving to Orillia with his young family in 1974, he served as a respected obstetrician and gynecologist for forty-five years at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, where he was a distinguished physician and community leader. At OSMH he instituted perinatal rounds, helped to establish a fertility clinic, and his standardized order sets now apply to every hospital procedure across Canada. His medical leadership extended provincially and nationally, including roles on the council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and as founding chair of the Ontario Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership by the Ontario Medical Association for his outstanding service.
 
Always community minded, passionately curious, and with a strong sense of justice, he also co-founded several community initiatives, including the Take a Vet to Dinner event, the Orillia Museum of Art and History annual fundraising dinner, Mariposans for Refugees, and Save Our Soldiers (SOS). He was a longtime member of the Orillia Amnesty International Group, a supporter of the Couchiching Conservancy, and a director on the Leacock Medal for Humour board. For over fifty years, he was an active and devoted member of St. Paul’s United Church in Orillia, serving with Wendy as Co-Chairs of the Board. Sacred places for Dick also included Kincardine, which he called his spiritual home, Temagami, and Georgian Bay.
 
Admired not just for his many accomplishments, he will be remembered more for his kind and loving nature. Everything he did he did with grace, compassion, and caring.
 
He was always aware of those in the community who needed a card, note or phone call. He never forgot a birthday.
 
A proud Orillian and Canadian, he was awarded the Order of Orillia in 2002, named Orillia’s Citizen of the year in 2007, and was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. He was inducted into Orillia’s Hall of Fame this past October, 2025.
 
Thank you to Mariposa House Hospice, Dr. Sochaniwskyj and Cayley Winter for extraordinary care and support.