In Memoriam: William “Bill” Johnston

William “Bill” Johnston passed away on Friday February 17, just three weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Bill was born on November 28, 1947 in Los Angeles, California. He spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Hillsboro, Illinois.

Bill married Janet Hicks and had a daughter, Rhonda, in 1965. After their divorce, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in the Vietnam War. He worked in sales most of his life. He sold everything from men’s clothing to auto parts to high end automobiles.

Bill married his wife Cheryl Stretch from Hillsboro, Illinois in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 3, 1990 and then moved to California. Cheryl worked as a dentist in Canyon Lake. Bill became a stay-at-home Dad when their daughter Claire was born in 1998 and did so for 16 years until she started driving herself to school.

He enjoyed many hobbies, but spent most of his time either golfing in Canyon Lake or shooting pool at the Pit Stop in Menifee, California. He was a proud member of the NRA, Elks Lodge, Canyon Lake Family Golf Club, and Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS). He and Cheryl enjoyed riding his Harley on the weekends, when weather permitted, and was a member of the local chapter of the 911 Riders Emergency Services Motorcycle Club.

Bill is survived by his wife Cheryl, of 27 years, his two daughters, Rhonda and Claire, seven brothers, four sisters and two grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Canyon Lake Country Club, 32001 Railroad Canyon Rd. Bill will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Everyone is invited to participate in both. There will be a procession from the Canyon Lake Towne Canter to the cemetery. Please meet at 10 a.m. near Cheryl’s near Cheryl’s dental office, 31506 Railroad Canyon Rd. Suite 3.




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