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Monty Johnston, 79, of Natural Bridge Station died on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, from pancreatic cancer and related complications. His last month of life was blessed by a path of talented, compassionate caregivers who helped Monty and his family find the way to his passing on.
Monty was born on Oct. 9, 1944, in New York, New York. He was the son of the late Martha Cary Pratt and the late Lawrence Johnson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy Atwood and Joan McIver.
Monty was a man of books, reading, and writing. With a BA in English from Syracuse University and an MA in English from Case Western Reserve, Monty was truly an independent scholar. He had his home library and was often found reading from the 1978 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Maps were commonly on the kitchen table. His shirt pocket always had a pen and paper for notes he took throughout the day. Music and photography accompanied his daily life as well.
Monty was a man invested in recovery from alcoholism and in gaining mental health. With 35 years of sobriety, Monty cared deeply about the wisdom of the 12-step fellowships and used it as a foundation for healthy living.
Monty used his talents and interests in a variety of ways. Over his lifetime he had a number of careers ranging from tree planting to carpentry to counseling. Trees stand on Forest Service land and on the grounds of a local veterinarian office because Monty planted them. Porches, roofs, and beautiful interiors exist in our community because Monty was a part of their construction. Adolescents and adults have new insights and recovering lives because Monty shared his experience, strength, and hope with them.
But among all of his creations and careers, Monty’s writing was the most important to him. For the last 20some years of his life, Monty was at his writer’s desk creating both fiction and nonfiction books – not only for his enjoyment but also because of his desire to share with others what he had come to know about living in a complicated world. Blending mental health therapy, mindfulness practices, and 12-step wisdom, Monty’s work offers his views of what can bring health to self - views best conveyed by reading his own words.
Monty is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy Lohr Johnston, and two daughters, Grace DuVal Johnston (Julian) of Boston, Mass., and Ava Elizabeth Hiner (Andrew) of Dallas, Texas. He is survived by friends in many different places who have been loyal and supportive over the decades of his life. Monty is also survived by Mr. O, a big orange cat who he adored. Monty was always happy to sit on the floor to visit with a cat.
Special thanks to the amazing care team that unfolded over the brief and intense time of his illness: Dr. Scott Dubit, UVA Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, UVA Emily Couric Cancer Center, and the Acute Hospice Care Center of the Piedmont.
In lieu of flowers or contributions, please give patience, kindness, and genuine interest to those you love and live with today. Monty’s life will be celebrated when the spring comes. N-G
