Obituary: Dr. Kent Harry Johnston

Kent Johnston of Columbia Station died at Fairview Hospital on April 18th surrounded by family. He was born in Newark, Ohio in 1935 to parents Ralph and Isabel Johnston along with his twin Connie (m. Ray Copeland). Ralph and Isabel opened Johnston’s Pharmacy in Dresden, Ohio in the 1940’s, later adding another location in Frazeysburg in the 60’s. The family grew to include additional sisters Arlene (m. Crayton Shumaker), Nancy (m. Ed Cochran), Sue (m. Jim Lawler) and Marcia (m. John Trakas). The entire Johnston family contributed in various ways at the pharmacy.

Kent graduated from Jefferson High School in Dresden in 1953 and attended Ohio State University, graduating Magnum Cum Laude. He then pursued his dreams of entering the medical field at Harvard Medical School, graduating Cum Laude in 1961. Kent met Linda L. Cost at a Halloween party and they married in 1962. Their first child, Kevin, was born in 1963.

After completing two years of residency and internship at University Hospitals, Kent entered the Air Force as a Captain from 1963-65. Stationed in Peshawar, Pakistan, he earned a medal of accommodation for his efforts in organizing and implementing a challenging evacuation.

Upon returning to the United States, he completed a research fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. Two additional children were born to the family, Jeffrey (1967) and Julianna (1969). In 1970, he began a rewarding and distinguished career in the Department of Surgery at University Hospitals until his retirement in 1996. He worked as a part of the pioneering organ transplant team that saved thousands of lives. He made time to teach the next generation as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University – School of Medicine.

Later in life, after a divorce, he married Mary Ann Kavlich in 1986. They remained happily married for thirty-five years until his death. In retirement, he was a loving grandfather to ten from the blended family. He renewed his Catholic faith as an active participant in bible study and church leadership. Kent had a passion for gardening, reading, storytelling, and travel to Florida. He loved spending time with several terriers he and Mary Ann raised over the years.

He was well known for his sense of humor, his love for sailing in the competitive Ensign class on Lake Erie, and his amazing ability to recall facts, history and trivia related to any situation, place or moment in incredible detail and accuracy. To honor his memory, please register as an organ donor at www.organdonor.gov.

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