By Alesha Capone
Eric Johnston, a long-time Wyndham resident and a former World War II prisoner-of-war, has died.
Mr Johnston, who celebrated his 100th birthday in July last year, died last week (February 11).
Mr Johnston served in Singapore during WWII with Australian Army, 8th Division, 6th Signals. After being captured by the Japanese, he was held as a prisoner of war in Changi and worked on the Thai-Burma railway.
Upon returning to Australia, he was reunited with his wife Vera, and the couple went on to have five children.
Mr Johnston also worked as a forest commission officer across western Victoria.
He moved to Werribee with Vera about 25 years ago.
Mr Johnston was extensively involved with the community, including the Werribee RSL, Werribee Bowling Club and as a volunteer at the Victorian State Rose Garden. He was also a member of the Apollo Bay and Werribee Masonic lodges.
Mr Johnston and Vera were married for 73 years. She died five years ago.
Later in his life, Mr Johnston became a resident of the Uniting AgeWell’s Manor Lakes Community, where he enjoyed singing, growing tomatoes and barracking for Collingwood.
Mr Johnston leaves behind five children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held this afternoon (Wednesday, February 20) at St Thomas Anglican Church in Werribee.
A booklet prepared for the service by Mr Johnston’s family, described him as “… a very generous and knowledgeable person … always keen to learn and to pass on old skills”.
