Jay Robert Johnston, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, returned to his Heavenly Father Friday, Jan. 11, 2002, at his home in Spanish Fork, Utah.

He was born Feb. 11, 1914, in Salt Lake City, UT and was the first child and eldest son of Alfred Robert and Estella Tripp Johnston.

Jay moved to Oakland, CA with his parents when he was four years old, and was reared in the Bay area. He graduated from Oakland High School where he excelled academically and played basketball and tennis. He worked in the home construction business with his father.

He married Thelma Perry July 24, 1942. On July 22, 1955, they and their children were sealed together in the Manti LDS Temple. Together they raised seven children and a niece, Joyce, and enjoyed 60 wonderful years together.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and worked for the Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company in the shipping department for 30 years.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. He loved the Lord and served in numerous ward and stake capacities. After his retirement, he and his wife served two full time missions. They especially enjoyed serving together as ordinance workers at the Provo Temple where Jay had the privilege of performing many sealings.

He is survived by his wife, Thelma; six sons and one daughter: Ronald (Carma), Pleasant Grove; Gary (Judi), Spanish Fork; Susan (Kenneth) Westercamp, Frankenmuth, MI; Brent (Elaine), Spanish Fork; Paul (Kathy), Spanish Fork; David (Kerri), Orem; Carl (Wendy), Spanish Fork; they have 37 grandchildren; and 59 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; only brother, Bart; and a grandson, Ryan.

Services will be Thurs. Jan 17, 2002, 11 a.m., Spanish Fork 1st Ward Chapel, 310 E. Center St. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary, 187 S. Main, Spanish Fork, Wed. Jan 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Thurs. at the church 9:45-10:45 a.m. Interment, Spanish Fork City Cemetery with full military honors.

The family would like to express grateful appreciation to Vista Hospice Care for their help and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the LDS Church's Humanitarian Fund and/or the General Missionary Fund.