Daniel Robert Johnston

Daniel Robert Johnston, 63, died Nov. 16, 2015, from the complications of dementia in Palmer, Alaska.

Dan was born in Oregon City, Oregon, on Aug. 1, 1952, the son of Howard and Evelyn Johnston. Daniel is survived by his brother, Terry Johnston, and wife, Sophie, of West Palm Beach, Florida; his sister, Debra Buzdor, and husband, John, of Palmer, Alaska; his niece, Angie Fraize, and her husband, Matt; Dan's “great” nieces Italia and Gianna, of Chugiak, Alaska; his nephew, Jacob Johnston; niece, Tricia D'Antin, and husband, Marc; and sister-in-law, Kari Johnston, all of Florida. Dan will also be missed by many loving cousins, friends and in-laws from the Lower 48.

He enjoyed boating, waterskiing, camping, bowling, dancing and singing karaoke, but mostly just being with those he loved. When he was 16, he won a silver medal in the National Special Olympics for swimming.

After Dan’s parents passed away, Daniel lived with his brother, Terry, and family in Oregon for several years before moving to Alaska to live with his sister and family. It was always Dan's dream to be part of the “Partridge Family,” so his sister found him a blue bus to call his own, and Dan made it his second home in the summer. Later, they built him a log cabin next to their house.

Daniel volunteered for the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department, working with the landscaping crews in the summer, and then at the Palmer Pioneer Home for over 10 years. He eventually became a member of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, endearing himself to their staff over the course of many years.

Our Danny will be greatly missed by all who knew him and felt the love that he radiated.

Please join with us in a Celebration of Life, Jan. 3, 2016, at the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, 1132 Chugach St, Palmer, Alaska, 99645, Open House, 2-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mat-Su Senior Services, 1132 Chugach St, Palmer, Alaska, 99645, or the Alaska chapter of the National Down Syndrome Congress, P.O. Box 241886, Anchorage, Alaska, 99524. Cards and condolences can be mailed to the Buzdors at 1150 S. Colony Way, #3-335, Palmer, Alaska, 99645.