Ross Johnstone

Obituary

We lost our father, Ross Johnstone on Friday the 15th of August, 2025.

Ross made significant contributions to Canadian architecture through a career spanning over five decades, marked by innovation, leadership, and mentorship. He began his architectural career in 1963 after earning his diploma in architecture with distinction from Regent Street Polytechnic in London. He held leadership roles in several firms, including Arnott MacPhail Johnstone, Wiens Johnstone Architects, and later founded ARCAD Computer Aided Drafting Ltd. in 1986.

Dedicated to his profession, he served on numerous professional committees, including the Saskatchewan Association of Architects, where he was president in 1972, and contributed to national architectural standards through roles with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the National Research Council’s Industry Advisory Committee on Modular Coordination, focused on improving the productivity of the building industry. Through ARCAD, he was a pioneer in integrating computer-aided drafting (CAD) into architectural workflows in Canada.

The two projects he was most proud of were the T.C. Douglas Building in Regina which was recognized with a First Award from the Saskatchewan Association of Architects, and the United Nations Environmental Program headquarters in Kenya, where he was seconded to the office of Mutiso Menezes International and moved with his young family to Nairobi for 2 years. The Gigiri UN complex is renowned for its pioneering green architecture, including passive design strategies and sustainable water and energy systems.

He was funny, often fourteen-year-old-boy funny, and approached life with energy, courage and imagination. Known for his good humour as well as an inexhaustible contempt for conservatives. He was generous and principled to a fault. In his work he was always an enthusiastic champion for young talent.

Ross is survived by his never-ending to-do list, wife Dorothy (m. 2013) and devoted children Aaron, Adam, Celia, daughter-in-law Maria, and adored granddaughter Isabella. He was predeceased by his wife Audrey (m.1957) in 2009.

He will be missed terribly.

Event

Please join us on Saturday September 6th at Biff’s restaurant from 4:00-6:00 for a memorial gathering, drop by to join friends and family sharing remembrance of Ross

Gallery

Memory wall

September 1, 2025

Ross Johnstone, RIP. This man had a huge impact on both of us. We had the absolute pleasure of working with him at Arnott MacPhail Johnstone in Regina. Ross was away in Kenya when we started working there. While he was away, there was this mystery that circled about him. What we knew was that he was very talented and had a huge character. With nervous anticipation, we awaited his return from Kenya. He was indeed, this larger than life person. He energized the office with his talent, his humour and his boisterous laughter. He became a great mentor to us both. We were smitten with him. We became friends. We met lovely Audrey and Aaron, Adam and Celia. We spent many evenings eating asparagus and mayo and drinking white wine on the front porch of their house on McCallum Ave. Ross orchestrated a regular Friday evening restaurant event to which he invited interesting architects and artists. We remember so many Friday nights of laughter and joy while we shared food. Ross and Audrey invited us out to the cottage at White Bear Lake a couple of times, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We once house-sat and teen-sat for them when Audrey and Ross were on an adventure. It was a great time. We bonded with Aaron, Adam and Celia and their little dog (John thinks her name was “Sally”). We were so compelled by staying at their house that, two weeks later, we bought a house two blocks away from them. A few years later, Ross and Audrey left Regina for Toronto. Kal and Wendy Jabusch and Chris and Elaine MacPhail followed and we left soon after. We were spread out over the GTA. John and I started a family and John got immersed in his career. It got so busy. We lost that close connection we had with Ross and family. But we never stop reminiscing about our time with this amazing man. Peace to all.

Marcia & John Christie

August 29, 2025

Elaine and I offer our sincerer condolences to Aaron, Celia and Adam and family, and to Dorothy. Ross was a colleague and a partner in business but more importantly was a friend in life. Our families shared many happy occasions, and as we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this year, we remember Ross as our best man.
Rest in peace.

Chris MacPhail

August 21, 2025

My deepest and sincere condolences to Ross’s family. I am very sad to learn that Ross is no longer with us.
We lost a great architect, a true mentor, a devoted father and granfather, a true gentleman.
Ross will be missed and never forgotten. He helped me and my family so much. We will be forever grateful.
Rest In Peace dear Ross.

Merlys C. Hernandez E.

August 20, 2025

Ciao Ragazzo, will miss you dearly my friend. From our lunches at Mercatto, to our high school silliness, you made my day every time we got together, which was almost daily.
Funniest part was you bringing your Godfather espresso cup to Mercatto every time we went there.
Never did have your famous apple pie.
I'll see you on the other side.

Domenico Grossi

August 19, 2025

My most sincere condolences to the family. Ross will be missed for whoever was lucky to meet him. Such a great person, a gentleman, full of love for his family and his career. It's hard to put into words so much admiration and gratitude.
Rest in peace dear Ross Johnstone.

Lupe

Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez Valdes

August 17, 2025

Those are my parents Gilly & Robert with Ross in Kenya in 1978ish. They are looking like they are having too much fun which they did! Often! Ross and my father Robert both worked at Mutiso Menezes and yes! For my father too, these Kenya projects are a career highlight. After a yearish living in downtown Nairobi, we had moved to Kitale Lane where the Johnstone family lived and due to the open backyard us kids became good friends and still are to this day. Back then I felt we were all together such a community if you will so it’s been such a joy to me to connect with them in Toronto. My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Johnstone family. Not Kwaheri but tuonane kesho Bwana xxx

Sarah Goldspink

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