Sammy S. Johnston

Sammy S. Johnston, 77, of Livingston, Montana passed away Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Livingston HealthCare Hospital with his family and friends at his side. A memorial gathering/reception will be held at 11:00 A.M. at the Livingston Elks Lodge (Corner of 2nd and Lewis) on Thursday, November 12th, all are welcome. Sam was born in Buhl, Idaho August 4, 1938 to James Stewart and Irene Lois (Coombs) Johnston. Sam and his family moved throughout Idaho and California before moving to Livingston, MT with Downer Lumber in 1955. Sam worked for Downer as he attended school as well. He received his education in Livingston and was a graduate of Park County High School class of 1956. Sam was united in marriage to, Sandra "Sandy" Wilson, the love of his life, on July 3rd, 1957 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Livingston. This marriage was blessed with a son, Rod and a daughter, Debbie. As Sammy and Sandy started their family in Livingston Sammy continued working for Downer Lumber until they pulled out of Livingston. Sam then worked road construction unitl+ 1962 when they then moved to West Yellowstone to work with the Harrison Logging Company. In 1974 they moved to Deer Lodge with Harrison Logging until Sam bought his own log loader and came back to Livingston contracting with the Brand-S Lumber Company. He and Sandy moved to Prescott, Arizona for a few years while Sam operated a boot repair business before coming back home to Livingston. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage together. Sam enjoyed dancing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, driving the back country roads and visiting his children. He was a member of the Jackson Hole Elks Lodge and was a member of the Park County Pioneer Society. He was strong, physically and of character, hardworking and kindhearted. He loved the outdoors and considered himself lucky to have spent so much time in that serenity. He was giving of his time, ready to help others at a moments notice. His greatest joy was his family and the love he had for his grandson, Jake. His legacy will remain in the hearts of those who love him forever. Sam is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; son, Rod Johnston and his wife Ronda of Melville, MT; daughter, Debbie Poeschl and her husband Tony of Decker, MT; grandson, Jake Johnston and his wife Chelsie of Melville, MT; sister, Mariann Crowe of Caldwell, Idaho and several nieces and nephews. Memorials can be made to Memory Care Unit at Frontier Assisted Living, 121 S 3rd Street; Livingston; MT 59047, the Park County Pioneer Society, 10 McDonald Creek Road; Livingston, MT 59047, or the donors choice. Arrangements are pending under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.