Our Brother, Bob Johnston
Two years ago the Valley of Boston honored one of its most dedicated and distinguished members by naming the Spring One Day Class after him. After a little over two years, we caught up with Ill∴ Robert Johnston, 33° DSA to see how he was doing and gain some insight into his life.
Two years ago the Valley of Boston honored one of its most dedicated and distinguished members by naming the Spring One Day Class after him. After a little over two years, we caught up with Ill∴ Robert Johnston, 33° DSA to see how he was doing and gain some insight into his life.
Born in 1922 to Thomas and Jessie Johnston of Somerville, Bob had a busy childhood with five brothers and two sisters running around the house. Bob attended Somerville High School and was active with the football and basketball teams. Despite his small stature as a child, Robert played halfback for his school and later in the military. He recounted playing with a pair of gentlemen who would later go on to play for the Green Bay Packers. Once graduating from high school, Brother Johnston attended Boston University and Wentworth Institute where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Bob was working at the First National Bank in Boston before answering his nation’s call. He joined the Marine Corps and was assigned to the 4th Marine Division for World War II. After almost immediately shipping out from the states to the front line, Robert fought in four battles in the Pacific Theatre. Bob saw combat at the Battle of Kwajalein, the Battle of Saipan, the Battle of Tinian and the Battle of Iwo Jima. The 4th Marine Corps had one of the shortest time overseas but participating in the most battles and saw the most casualties. During his time in the Pacific, Bob earned two Purple Hearts (Saipan and Iwo Jima) and a Bronze Star (Iwo Jima). During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Brother Johnston was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. He would later receive officer’s training at Quantico, VA. After four years of service, Bob decided to retire from the Marines and work in the elevator business.
After several years at home, Robert joined freemasonry when he was raised at Somerville Lodge in 1957. Since then he has affiliated with several other lodges: Washington Lodge, The Masters Lodge and Major General Henry Knox Lodge. He presided over Somerville Lodge in 1968-69 before being appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th District in 1970-72. Bob became very active in the Grand Lodge after his term. He has since held office as a Junior Grand Warden, Grand Rep. to CT and a Grand Lecturer. During his masonic career he has received the Veterans Medal, the Henry Price Medal and the Joseph Warren Medal.
Bob decided to join the Scottish Rite because of his friendship with Noman Ray who was Chairman of the Board of Education at the time. Bob has been an officer of Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix. Robert stepped in as Treasurer for the Valley of Boston in 1989 after Ill∴ Donald Bishop, 33° until 2002. He now holds the title of Treasurer Emeritus. Brother Johnston received his 33° on September 27, 1990 in Milwaukee, WI.
While he has done much for Scottish Rite, his efforts in the other appendant bodies of freemasonry are just as impressive. He was a member of the Aleppo Shriners Drums Corps for the Oriental Band. He also was an organizer of their annual golf tournament. Other hats he has worn include director of the Masonic Home, President of the Young Republicans Club, Director of New England Deaconess Association, and countless others.
A big smile came to Bob’s face when he talked about the most important accomplishment in his life, the marriage to his wife Claire. Married in 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston spent 66 wonderful years together until her passing in 2012. Their marriage produced a son, Robert Tryder Johnston.
Despite being at the young age of 92, Brother Johnston leaves little time to be wasted. He has spent a great deal of his time speaking at high schools and other venues about his time in the armed service. He has been an avid golfer and is eager to get back on the course after this winter. Bob still keeps in touch with those close to him. One of the memories he shared was after his best friend was killed on the first day at the Battle of Saipan, Robert took it upon himself to stay in touch with his mother. Every Christmas, Bob would call his best friend’s mother until she passed fifteen years ago. So moved by Bob’s kindness, his best friend’s brother came to Boston to take Robert out to a Red Sox game and reconnect; a memory Bob is sure to never forget.
This insight into Brother Johnston’s life was a bit longer than most, but deservingly so. After he sheds his cane from knee surgery in the next few months, there seems to be no stopping Bob. It was a personal pleasure and honor to sit and chat with Bob. A wealth of knowledge and quick with a smile, Ill∴ Robert Johnston, 33° is certainly a man to know.
webmaster@scottishriteboston.org | All Rights Reserved
The Bodies of the Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, 33°, of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose Grand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts.