ALBION – Ray ‘Cap’ Johnston, of 80 years, passed peacefully at his home in Albion on July 21, 2021 after a brave year-long battle with cancer. He was a person who valued quiet, privacy, and was an avid salmon and togue fisherman. He enjoyed classic science fiction paperback books, walks down unbeaten paths and family. Ray was born on March 16, 1941 in Milwaukee, Wisc. He graduated high school in Lake Forrest, Ill., earned a Bachelor of Science from Marquette University for Pre-Med, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of West Florida. Having flown only once in an airplane as senior in high school, Ray decided he wanted to be a pilot. He went on to be a Navy Aviator as a Lieutenant flying helicopters from aircraft carriers, chasing Russian submarines during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and volunteering for the Vietnam War.One of Ray’s proudest moments was his last day of SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) training for Vietnam, when the American Flag was raised and the Star-Spangled Banner played while 100 men stood at attention, saluting with tears running down their cheeks. He was a proud American, who as a war veteran, was always dismayed with any disrespect given to the flag of the United States. After nine years in the Navy, and Honorable Resignation of Commission, Ray became a dedicated and commended Cost Controller and Analyst, for several major companies including Scott Paper, General Electric, Cole Haan Shoes, and Bath Iron Works, from which he retired.Ray is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cynthia Johnston; his brothers, Jay, Michael, Thomas, and sister Kathleen; a daughter Jacqueline Fanning (Tom), sons James (Evelyn) and Joseph (Sandy); grandchildren Nicholas, Matthew, Ryan, Andrea, Emily, Benjamin, Patrick and Daniel; great-granddaughter Kaleigh; and his fiercely loyal American Bulldog, Simon. A private family ceremony of life will be held at a future date. Memorial donationsmay be made to:MaineGeneral Hospice &Volunteers of Kennebec ValleyP.O. Box 828Waterville, ME 04903www.mainegeneral.org/hospice

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