David Joseph Johnston's Obituary
David Joseph Johnston was born on October 17, 1985, in Billings Montana to Patricia and Robert Johnston. He grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. Dave died suddenly on October 3, 2015, while playing Ultimate Frisbee with friends, something he loved. He resided in Berkeley, CA, with his partner Jessie Halpern-Finnerty. He is survived by Jessie, his parents, his sister April and her partner Giovanni, Jessie’s family, and many friends.
Dave was the co-founder of The Prototype Press based at American Steel Studios in Oakland, CA, and VMC in Walla Walla, WA. He was a much-loved and unique young man who liked art, making and reading books, music, and being outside. He had a life-long love of bugs, frogs, and all animals large and small, including his cat Squid and his chameleon Leonard. He liked nothing better than being with his friends, and he loved to stay up late.
He is remembered for his creativity, kindness, spontaneity, and for the way he made everything more fun. He loved an underdog. He worked hard and cared deeply for his family and friends.
There will be a memorial gathering for Dave in Berkeley, and a gathering in Walla Walla at a later date. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that memorial donations be made to: the Children’sBook Project, the Rock Paper Scissors Collective, the Oakland Public Library, or Berkeley Partners for Parks.
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