Former Mayor Passes Away at 87
Being called a pillar of the community is quite often an exaggeration. But if you use the term in a description of Stu Johnston you could be accused of minimizing his contributions to the Florence area.
The longtime resident, businessman and civic leader passed away Monday morning; two days shy of his 88th birthday. He had been ill for the past several weeks and family members, including all four sons, a niece and nephew and numerous grand children were able to spend time with him over the weekend.
Johnston followed his parents to Florence after they opened the Ford dealership here in 1939. Eight years later, after a wartime stint in the U.S. Navy, he came to town to help out with the family business, operating it with his father Ed through the 50s. It was in the latter part of that decade that he proposed a daring move. Acquiring several acres of property way north of town on Highway 101, building a new shop, showroom and dealership on the outskirts where there would be plenty of opportunity.
At the same time, Johnston was at city hall, spending several evenings each month attending to the business of the city, spending 9 years on the City Council. In 1960 he was elected to the Mayor’s position and spent eight years there. He was instrumental in many changes that took place in Florence at the time, seeing to it that most of the streets were paved, improving the police and fire departments and even working to get a bond approved to pay for a new city hall and fire station, dedicated in 1967.
After stepping down from elected office, he focused on the family business, and helped prepare it for what would be some tough economic storms, seeing it through the recessions of 1980 and 1991.
After turning day to day operations over to his son Brian, Stu continued to keep an office at the dealership, but he turned more of his energy and focus on improving the community. Throughout the 90s he worked hard to help place the Western Lane Community Foundation on stable financial footing. He also became active in the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, helping with efforts to move it from south of Florence into the old school building on Maple Street in Old Town.
One long time friend, fellow businessman and one-time brother-in-law Bob Read summed it up… He said Stu Johnston was a strong community leader during trying days… and was – quote – “just a nice guy”.
