Bruce Johnstone
Bruce Johnstone had a reputation for bringing joy to others and living each day to the fullest. He is deeply missed by his family and community.
"Enjoy every minute. I can still remember the night Matthew was born. I brought him home, rocked him to sleep, and went to bed. I woke up the next day and I was fifty. Life happens fast." - Bruce Johnstone
Bruce Johnstone, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away from natural causes Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 75.
Bruce was a man of many names: Papa, Pops, Boom, Playground Grandpa, BFF, Chef, Friend. He was a loyal friend, a fierce protector, an even fiercer caregiver and man of great faith.
Born in Denver, Colo., to Oliver and Evelyn Johnstone, Bruce’s spark for life was evident from the get-go. One of four children, Bruce was born with a spark and a desire to push himself and seek out new adventures. When he wasn’t getting into shenanigans alongside his siblings, he loved athletics, tackling multiple marathons and being a state champion in wrestling.
At 43, Bruce married the love of his life, Michelle, and together they poured their hearts into service. Shortly after they began their great love story, Bruce found faith in Jesus Christ and the combination of these two things changed the trajectory of his life. Whether volunteering at soup kitchens, helping out at church events, schools or even the occasional haunted house, Bruce lived out his faith through action, showing the love of Christ wherever he went.
Bruce also lived for and adored his children and grandchildren. He quite literally wore their names on his sleeve. One of his great prides was watching them succeed and enjoy and embrace life. He often introduced them to new foods, books, ideas, and travel destinations. He encouraged and supported them through trials and challenges, but also through tremendous joy and celebrations. He was always ready with a warm embrace, an amazing punchline, contagious hope, a cigar and a good bottle of scotch. His love for others was as loud as his laugh.
Bruce was also an amazing professional, spending many years as a change implementation leader before retiring. But retirement didn’t slow him down.
He will be remembered always for the ways he found joy and humor in ordinary moments and his countless acts of servant love. He never stopped working to make the world a better place and his life was a testament to faith, hard work and love.
Bruce leaves behind his beloved wife, Michelle; his sisters, Jean and Barbara; his children: Matthew, Jeanine (Larry), Alexander (Rebekah), Sue (Travis), Rebbekka (Tyler), Mark (Mafe); and his adored grandchildren: Makayla, Matthew, Zachary, Dylan, Evan, Carson, Tayler, Ella, Wyatt, Collin and Luca. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, colleagues, and brothers and sisters in faith.
He was many things to many people, and to each of us, he was the best of everything.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to First Descents (firstdescents.org) or Helping Hands Ministry, Lupe Hernandez 509-989-4105. A Celebration of Life will be held April 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Moses Lake CMA, 1100 N Grape Drive.