Bill Johnston, Colfax resident, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Whitman Hospital in Colfax. He was 87. “Uncle Bill” as he was known around town; was surrounded by those he loved and who loved him during his last illness. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the hospital and all of the caring staff at The Courtyard for their tender care during this last month.

William Arnold Johnston was born March 21, 1939 in Potlatch, Idaho to Arnold and Sadie Anderson Johnston. He grew up in Potlatch along with his sister Lynne. He attended school in Potlatch and later in Colfax until moving to Bellingham, Washington after the 11th grade. Bill enlisted early in the United States Navy on August 28, 1956 and it was during his tour in the Navy that he received his G.E.D. from the military.

He served during the Vietnam conflict aboard several different ships during a lengthy naval career. He received a Presidential Citation Award, Good Conduct Medal three times, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged and received retirement status on February 21, 1974. He then worked in civil service positions mostly as a fuel tanker delivery driver.

Bill married Jan Burnett and they made their home in Imperial Beach, California near San Diego for over 60 years. They were huge patrons of the San Diego Zoo and faithful benefactors to the wildlife inhabited there. Bill was a sports fanatic and loved to follow the San Diego Chargers and San Diego Padres. He and Jan were longtime season ticket holders to both franchises. Following the death of his beloved wife, Jan, in 2010, Bill moved to Colfax, Washington to be closer to family. He was extremely close to his nieces and nephew in Colfax and to their families. Having had no children of his own; he treated them as such. In later years he loved to watch sports on TV, drive his Ford Bronco all over town, and take his sister for drives to Potlatch or Harvard for a visit to their favorite café. He often rode his bicycle to the golf course to mingle with friends.

Bill is survived by nieces; Lori McClintock, Trudy (Gary) Libey, and Elaine McClintock and their children; his great nieces and nephews, Rachelle Kortus, Briana Kimble, Patrick Libey, Derek McClintock and Jesse McClintock. In addition to his wife Jan; he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Stanley McClintock and his nephew Don McClintock.

On-line guest book is at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family.