Robert Ray Johnston

When Robert Ray Johnston was born Sunday, November 4, 1945 to Robert Olen and Dora Mae Green Johnston in Clayton, NM, his name was easily determined. He would be his father and maternal grandfather’s namesake. Robert joined them on Friday, December 20, 2019 when he too passed away.

Robert grew up in the ranching and farming country around Clayton where he attended schools through his junior year. He transferred to Sandia High School in Albuquerque, NM for his senior year graduating in July 1964.

Robert married Jennifer Sue Trembly in Clayton, NM on Friday, June 25, 1965. Together they would enjoy 54 years of marriage and welcome two children – daughter Tiffany Lea Johnston Nicol and son Trenton Lars Johnston - into their family.

The couple established their home in Albuquerque where Robert worked as a copy typist (110-WPM) for Newspaper Printing Corporation, the printer of the Heights newspaper. He also worked for Eberline Instrument Corp. and Missouri Research Labs, Inc. before joining Sandia National Labs in 1978. Robert retired after 25 years at the Sandia National Labs and then extended his service another year as a consultant.

Over the years, Robert was known by many names. He was called Bob, Bobby J, Bobby Ray, Dad, “Papa,” and Uncle Bob. Whether as head of his family, with friends or as an employee, Bob gave his best in being all he could be. He loved his friends and cared for his neighbors – some becoming close as “second family” members.

Throughout his life, he was a child of God having accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in his earlier years. His earthly membership was at First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, NM.

Bob was also an avid sportsman, fisherman, and one who loved taking his family camping. He appreciated and respected the out-of-doors believing it was important to leave the land as he found it. Family and friends enjoyed the bounty from his successful hunting and fishing trips taken with his long-time buddies who called him Eagle Eyes.

Bob’s father-in-law, Robert Arch Trembly, taught him the art of working on older clocks including the key wind and Westminster chime clocks. They worked side by side as Bob was learning the process all the while enjoying those times spent together.

Service was important to Bob. He served his country for six years in the Army National Guard. He was a Past Master of Estancia Lodge No. 33 and a member of the Scottish Rite. Bob was also a Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No.23. In recognition of Bob’s service, during his internment at Sunset Memorial Park, military honors will be presented.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; daughter, Tiffany (Jeff Nicol); son, Trenton (Samantha), Rio Rancho/Albuquerque NM; grandsons, Landon Cade Johnston, Ft. Meade, MD, Dylan Lars Johnston, Albuquerque, NM, and Allan Jeffrey Nicol (Crystal), Stafford, VA ; brother, John F. Johnston (Kathy) of Clayton, NM; cousin-close-as- a-sister, Sandra M. Sturges (Tom) of Clayton, NM; brother-in-law, Robert A. Trembly (Martha), Boulder, CO; sisters-in-law’s, Marilyn K. McClure, Clayton, NM, and Rosemary A. Standlee, Albuquerque, NM; Aunt, Mary Green, Wichita, Kansas; uncle, Bill D. Trembly (Patricia) of Meadowlakes, Texas; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Bob’s memory, please give to one of your favorite charities in his name. Bob never specified his favorite.

Family members and friends will come together for the celebration of Bob’s life on on Monday, January 6, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Rio Rancho’s First Baptist Church, the 12th Night after Christmas Day. Twelfth Night is also known as Epiphany or the Journey of the Wise Men. As a wise man in his own right, Bob’s journey has just begun.