Gherin L. Johnston

Gherin L. Johnston passed away very peacefully in his home with his wife Sandy, by his side on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Gherin was born in Jackson, MI the son of the late Edgar A. and the late Rosemary H. Johnston on May 17, 1949. He graduated from Erie Mason High School in 1968 and enlisted in the United States Navy into the Seabee Construction Brigade, where he served for 4 ½ years. Gherin also was a member of the Navy Seabee band and drove their bus for touring throughout the east coast. He was employed by Consumers Energy Power Plant, in Erie MI as an electrician, retiring after 30 years.

 Gherin had many interests and hobbies, the most prominent being his love of trains. His grandfather and great grandfather had worked for the New York Central Railroad. Over the years, he collected small model trains and train memorabilia, until he discovered the hobby of 1 ½” scale model trains in the early 1980’s. He built several trains and train cars and eventually laid down track on his property. By then he was lovingly referred to as the “Train Guy” to many. His prize model was a true diesel electric locomotive which took him 8 years to build from scratch. He has been a member of the Northwest Ohio Live Steamers, and has served as their president for many years and up until his death.

In his earlier years, he was a member of the Masonic Order and played bagpipes with them. He was extremely proud of his Scottish ancestry and never missed an opportunity to wear his kilt. He was a member and acting Commander of the Island X-4 Toledo, Navy Seabee Veterans of America. and a member of the Black Swamp Jeep Willys Group.

 He also had an avid interest and collection of John Deere tractors and memorabilia, a hobby he shared with his brother. Other interests included Jeep FC’s, and big band music.

In 2003 he married Sandra (Smith) Dewulf. They had met taking ballroom dance lessons. Together they did a lot of dancing, camping, concerts, and traveling, both with and without his trains. Each checking off bucket list trips such as Hawaii, Scotland, France and England along with 36 states. 

In addition to his parents, Gherin was also preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Della (McClug) in 2000, and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” Johnston. Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 21 years Sandy, are his twin sister, Karen (John) Murray, Hebron KY.; brother, Larry Johnston, Brooklyn, MI.; son, David A. (Rachel) Johnston, Sebastian FL.; daughter, Lisa B. Johnston, Toledo, OH; step-children, Mandi (Todd) Brinkman, Oregon, OH and Greg (Sarah) Dewulf, Maumee OH; loving grandchildren, Paityn, Ian, and Evelyn Johnston; Olivia, Harvey and Isabella Brinkman; and Alexa, Cameron, Jake and Madison Dewulf. He is also survived by two aunts, nieces and nephews, many cousins, and scores of friends. 

In leu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Church of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org), The Toledo Area Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Church of St Andrew United Methodist, 3620 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614. 

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