Doug Allan Johnston

Doug Allan Johnston passed away in Torrance County, New Mexico on Friday, September 6th, 2024, at the age of 79. Born in Victoria, Texas on February 9th, 1945, to Cecil and Ellen Johnston. Doug always considered himself a Texan, but his heart and true home was Torrance County New Mexico. Doug married Danielle Pressly in 1976 and the two made their home in Torrance County in 1978. Doug spent over 30 years working at the University of New Mexico Bookstore after starting there in college and continuing after graduation to become the Associate Director. During his time at the bookstore Doug also completed farrier school at New Mexico State University and spent time on the weekends and evenings shoeing horses around the community. He then went to work for the Moriarty Edgewood School District as the Director of Maintenance and Transportation. He ended his career as the Director of Planning and Zoning for Torrance County and retired in 2008.

Doug was a quiet man; some would say he was hard to know. Those close to him know he loved deeply and fiercely and never missed a chance to support and defend those he loved. He was always there to offer up the advice to “take a deep seat” among other memorable phrases not appropriate to print here. His deep and unwavering faith carried him throughout his life. Doug was an avid reader and lover of books. Thanks to his time at the UNM Bookstore he was able to amass quite a literary collection. Doug was a lifelong learner. His numerous bookshelves contained titles from Hillerman to Hemingway and covered subjects ranging from Navajo and New Mexico History to breeds of horses and blacksmithing. Doug admired Southwestern and Native American art and culture, and the bookcases were all topped with trinkets and treasures he collected. He was staunch defender of the 2nd amendment and the freedoms given to us all as citizens of the United States. The true kindness of his heart could be witnessed in his love of animals. His dogs were his constant companions. He diligently kept the hummingbirds well fed in summers. He even helped along creatures some of us would find less than desirable. Feeding the ravens and squirrels and carefully harboring several giant jewel spiders on the front porch every year. When asked what he was most proud of Doug would say, without hesitation, his family, his children, his grandchildren and his home.

Doug is survived by his wife, Danielle P. Johnston. Son, Chris Johnston and wife Jennifer and children. Daughter, Samantha Jacobs and husband Brian and children. Daughter, Rachel Christmas and husband Matt and son. Brother, Bob Johnston and wife Jeannene. Brother, Fred Johnston and wife Cheryl. Brother-in-law, John “Jack” Pressly III. As well as many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. 

We miss him but are reminded that he would ask us to do as Churchill said and “never, never, never, give up” Doug would also be bothered to learn that this quote is falsely attributed to Churchill. After researching to use it for his obituary we are happy to use the correct version which is also fitting of Doug. “Never give in—never, never, never, never, except to convictions of honour and good sense.” Winston Churchill

The family will be hosting a visitation on September 21st from 2:00-4:00 at Harris Hanlon Mortuary. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Torrance County Animal Services

https://www.torrancecountynm.org/departments/animal-services