TONGA--
Gary B. Johnston, 64, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2000, at his home in Tonga.He was born on November 26, 1935, at the family home in Brigham City, Utah, a son of Herman L. and Cora Sederholm Johnston.
He attended Central Elementary School, graduated from Box Elder Junior and Senior High School. He earned a scholarship and graduated from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, later won a fellowship to Oxford, London England. His name was printed in the book of "Who's Who in American Universities." Gary taught high school English at Highland High in Salt Lake City. Editor for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City during the summers.
He joined the peace corps in 1978 and was sent to Tonga to teach. After a few years he decided to make it his home as well as writing in the Tonga Chronicle.
Connie Blaine
He was a fantastic teacher. I learned as much as I could have in a college class in journalism. I'm not surprised he was an editor for a newspaper or that he won the honors that he did. I am surprised that he used all his talents to teach high school. Also not surprised he joined the Peace Corps as an older guy. He was very kind and generous.
Candy Wilson (Probert)
He was one of my very favorite teachers. I loved writing and his class gave me lots of experience. I understood his dry humor and enjoyed his teaching. He was a very influential teacher.