Kenneth D. ‘Pilot’ Johnstone

Dec. 6, 1949 — Oct. 10, 2009

MONTROSE — Kenneth D. “Pilot” Johnstone passed away Oct. 10, 2009 while undergoing treatment for cancer. He was born Dec. 6, 1949, in Stamford, Conn., to Thomas and Helen Johnstone. After graduation from high school, Pilot enlisted in the Navy. He served his country aboard the USS Enterprise as a jet mechanic.  Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he continued his education graduating from JFK College in Nebraska. His sense of daredevil led him to sky diving, where he broke his back and earned the nickname “Sky Pilot,” later shortened to Pilot. He called himself a humble guitar player, never feeling he was as good at playing as his beloved Martin guitar deserved. Growing up near the ocean and living in the mountains, Pilot said he was a landlocked sailor. He hoped one day to return to his passion of sailing where the movement of the tide made you feel alive.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Susan Towne; mother, Helen Johnstone; sister, Kelly (Warren) Davis; brother, Robert Johnstone; a daughter, Jennifer; stepdaughters, Ashley (Alain) Park, Courtney (Scott) Nunes; special nieces and nephews; an uncle; five grandchildren and his second best friend, June, his dog.  Awaiting his arrival in heaven is his father, Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to help purchase a replacement van for the V.A ., D.A.V. Chapter #17, in care of Wes Bush, 1312 Bristol Drive, Montrose, CO 81401 or to the Second Chance Humane Society, P.O. Box 2096, Ridgway, CO 81432. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at the Crippin Chapel. Inurnment will be Nov. 13, 2009 in Fairfield, Conn. Arrangements under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.