Duane Hicks
Dr. Brian Johnstone was recognized for more than four decades of outstanding service to the community Monday night when he was honoured as the town’s 27th “Citizen of the Year.”
“I’ve been here a long time, I’ve worked with people I’ve liked working with, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” the 90-year-old said after being presented with a “Citizen of the Year” plaque by Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft.
“The medical team I’ve been fortunate enough to work with have been excellent. The hospital people have been very good,” Dr. Johnstone added.
“I like the people, I like the town. I’ve enjoyed myself.
“I can’t say anything more than that. I’m now too bloody old,” he quipped to a round of applause and laughter from the gallery on hand at the Civic Centre.
Dr. Johnstone was born in 1924 in Mount Gambier, South Australia and lived “Down Under” until the late 1930s, at which time his family moved to England.
After finishing school there, he joined the air force during the Second World War and flew as a pilot from 1941-46.
Then it was back to medical school, where he met his wife, Audrey. The couple was married on July 24, 1948 in England as students.
After their residencies, the Johnstones went into practice in the Midlands, near Birmingham, until 1966, when they made the decision to relocate to Canada—and specifically Fort Frances.
He practised here ever since, officially retiring on Dec. 31, 2013. He was feted during a retirement celebration back in February.
Cindy Noble and Ethel Lowey, among those who nominated Dr. Johnstone for the award, said they were “thrilled” he was selected as “Citizen of the Year” for 2014.
“We think it is so well-deserved,” said Noble. “He’s done so much for the town and we want to just thank you very much.
“Congratulations.”
Dr. Jas Spencer said the recognition of Dr. Johnstone has been “a long-time coming,” adding “it’s very sad the community has waited until he’s 90 years old” before giving him the honour.
“I always thought the ‘Citizen of the Year’ was awarded to people who indulge in charitable things and, of course, Dr. Johnstone, although he was a wonderful physician and served this community so well for so many years, was paid for his job so this is not charity,” he noted.
“However, there are many other reasons why Dr. Johnstone should be given this award,” added Dr. Spencer.
“A lot of people don’t realize that before he ever came to Fort Frances, before he ever went to medical school, he was a war veteran and did, I believe, 56 bombing expeditions against the Axis forces during the war.
“For this alone, he should be commemorated because there aren’t many Second World War veterans left,” Dr. Spencer said.
“He’s delivered innumerable babies, he’s given innumerable anesthetics in all sorts of circumstances during the day, at night, on weekends,” Dr. Spencer added, referring to Dr. Johnstone’s service here.
“He’s been available on-call in emergency continuously.
“His phone number, like mine, is in the book and anybody can phone him,” he noted.
“Right to the end, they could get a courteous acknowledgement, and usually help, even though Brian was not on-call.”
Dr. Spencer said the “Citizen of the Year” award is “an honour that has been richly-deserved.”
“I do hope it doesn’t take too much out of a 90-year-old to deal with,” he smiled.
Coun. Wiedenhoeft echoed some of Dr. Spencer’s remarks.
“You’ve been here for so long and so dedicated to your job, that it’s unusual that we waited this long to present this award to you as ‘Citizen of the Year,’” he said.
Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig, who apologized that Mayor Roy Avis could not attend Monday’s meeting, said he and the mayor are deeply-involved in doctor recruitment.
He noted it goes without saying that Dr. Johnstone’s retirement “left a big hole” in the medical services available to the community.
“It was more than just a job,” McCaig remarked. “To work for as many years as you did in service to the community, it speaks about commitment, it speaks about the passion you have for your job.
“And in this day and age, and where Fort Frances is right now in regards to our complement of doctors, we couldn’t appreciate it more,” added McCaig.
“You couldn’t have given any more than you’ve given, and we really sincerely appreciate that.”
Dr. Johnstone will not be able to attend the “Parade of Lights” here this Saturday, but will among those invited to the town’s annual volunteer and staff recognition dinner in May.
