Donald William Johnston

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Donald William Johnston. Don was born July 9, 1939 in Pennsylvania where he was raised on his mother and father’s dairy farm. He lost his battle with Leukemia on September 7, 2024. He fought courageously and without complaint. He did not let his illness stop him from enjoying his final months, even venturing to the Uintahs to search for fungi. Don was a renowned mycologist (self-taught) and authored “Mushrooms of Utah", a book that is still in demand today.

An avid outdoorsman, Don loved to hunt, fish, camp, ski, and forage, with his loyal Brittany Spaniels by his side. He was also a skilled Gunsmith.

Don was a past President of the Mushroom Society of Utah. His mind was encyclopedic, able to recall Latin names and common names of fungi until his final days. Don was generous with his knowledge, leading group forays and introducing many to his love of mushrooms.

Don was incredibly handy and could build or repair anything. In his younger days he built a cabin near the Weber River. He and his first wife, Judy, spent joyful times there when their children were young. Don spoke of good times he had there. He cherished his beautiful daughters, Patricia (Patty) Weight (Darin) and Deborah (Debby) Wood (Scottie Crnko) and his grandchildren Jeremy Johnson, Brittnie Hamp (Ryan), Parker Wood, Sierra Wood, Dylan Weight, and Abbie & Fletcher Crnko. He was blessed with great grandchild Owen Hamp and Dylynn Weight.

After his wife passed, Don reconnected with a fellow forager, Larisa Thompson, who would become his second wife and companion. They shared common interests, many of which involved their love of the great outdoors. Larisa was devoted to Don, helping him, nursing him, and sharing her love to the last moment.

Don Johnston was an admirable man. He served his country and was a proud veteran. He was intelligent, patient, kind, capable, adventurous, and loving. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Judy who passed in 2021 and his brothers and sisters: Robert Johnston, Nancy Westover, Judy Johnston, Joan Henry, and Larry Johnston. He is survived by his second wife, his daughters, grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters: Dorothy Clawson, June Johnston, Thomas Johnston, and Timothy Johnston.

 Services will be held in Bluffdale at the Veterans Cemetery Chapel on October 16, 2024 at 10AM and a graveside service at noon. Friends of the family interested in attending a memorial service later are welcome to email for more information: debby.wood956@gmail.com