Johnstone Remembered For 'Kind Heart And Generous Spirit'

DEERFIELD, IL — Richard "Rick" Johnstone, 73, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2020, at his home in Deerfield after a valiant battle with melanoma, surrounded by his loving family. He is remembered as a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and mentor.

Johnstone was born on Jan. 27, 1947, in Riverside, Illinois, and was raised by his beloved mother, Pearl Wilson, and father, Warren Johnstone. He is preceded in death by many dear friends and family members including his beloved brother Russell Johnstone. He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Johnstone, sister Judi MacDonald, children Ryan Johnstone, Haley Johnstone Owenson and Katie Johnstone Daiker, children-in-law Pam (Thorson) Johnstone, Jeffry Owenson and Jeffrey Daiker, along with eight adoring grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Among the myriad attributes that made Rick so special were his kind heart and generous spirit. There wasn't much he wouldn't do for someone in need, let alone those he was close to. As a self-made entrepreneur, he embodied the "pay-it-forward" way of life, working hard to care for his family, friends and community. After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1971, Rick married his college sweetheart, Lynn (Schulz) Johnstone, who was both his life-long love and favorite collaborator. They created successful ventures together, beginning with the establishment of the Sound Post, a music retail store, then Washburn Guitars, an international musical instrument company, followed by their reincarnation as real estate investors and principals of OGI and Our Gang Partners, real estate management and development firms. But perhaps Rick's proudest creation would be his children. Ryan, Haley and Katherine (Katie) are the enduring legacy of his conscientious and compassionate nature, his fun-loving and passionate spirit.

Rick was a lifelong music lover and musician. He led multiple music groups throughout his years, from the early "Parkside Singers" to his beloved "Babo and the Short Gang" family singalongs. As a long-time member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Deerfield, he sang in the choir and led multiple philanthropic endeavors to enhance the lives of those around him. He fostered fellowship and community through his guitar playing, earned the respect of those who knew him through his hard work and human decency and was forever giving of his time, energy and knowledge, inspiring countless others along the way.

He chose to see the best in people and will be dearly, dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you pay it forward in his memory, bringing kindness to those around you.