Grant and Marilyn Johnstone

Grant and Marilyn Johnstone, husband and wife of 27 years, passed away on Tuesday, July 22. It was Marilyn's 58th birthday. Grant was 63. They lived a rich, rewarding life, giving of themselves without hesitation to family, friends, students and many in need. They drew people to them through their warmth, love of life and interest in many things. They were like the hub of a wheel, drawing others into their circle and creating connections between other people that might never have happened otherwise. Marilyn's large, extended family became Grant's family, too. They lived their lives with the highest degree of integrity and commitment. Grant was born in 1944 to James and Elizabeth Johnstone. After graduating from the University of Kansas, Grant joined the U.S. Army and served as a lieutenant in Viet Nam. After leaving the Army, Grant earned a master's degree in education from Colorado State University. He worked as an administrator in Adams County District 12. As assistant principal at Thornton High School, he felt that one of his greatest accomplishments was helping to start an International Baccalaureate program. He enjoyed hunting, especially with his Labrador retrievers, and target shooting. After retiring in 1998, he pursued woodworking, travel and spending time with his extended family. Marilyn (""Shorty"") was born in 1950 to Ed and Virginia Philpott. She earned her teaching credentials at McPherson College in Kansas, and a master's degree in education at the University of Colorado at Denver. In 1975, she joined Adams County District 12, working first at Pecos Junior High, then at Thornton High School. She was passionate about American history and always wanted her students to understand the responsibilities that come with democracy and freedom. Through interesting stories of people and places, she helped her students grasp the ideas, choices, and politics of American history. After retiring in 2000, Marilyn opened an embroidery business known as Marilyn's Threads. She created logo wear for clients ranging from athletic teams to wineries. They loved camping every summer with Marilyn's family. Over the past several years, they visited nearly every Colorado State Park. They also took an annual trip to Lake Powell. In May, they took a longawaited cruise to Alaska, a trip that was the highlight of their year. The couple shared a bond and devotion to each other that would rival any love story written. Knowing that Grant would not survive his recent illness, Marilyn surely died of complications from her broken heart. They are survived by Marilyn's sisters, Carol Kearns (John), Rose Richmond (Steve), LaVonne Duran (Michael), brother John Philpott (Deborah); as well as Grant's brother, Keith Johnstone (Bobbie), of Albuquerque, 10 nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. All who knew and loved Grant and Marilyn are invited to join the family at a celebration of their lives that will be held at the VFW, 102nd Avenue and Quivas, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2008. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 28, at the Colorado Community Church, 3651 South Colorado Boulevard in Englewood. Their ashes will be interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Courage Classic benefitting Children's Hospital. Please share memories of Grant and Marilyn and condolences with their families by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.