May 12, 1928 - Sept. 7, 2008

Lael K. Johnston of Corvallis died Sunday, Sept. 7, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. He was 80.

He was born in Aberdeen, Idaho, to Paul and Sara Johnston. He married LeAnn Gregersen on Aug. 30, 1953, in Junction City.

Lael graduated from Caldwell (Idaho) High School and joined the Navy. After the Navy, he began studies at Idaho State University in the School of Pharmacy. After graduation, he accepted a pharmacist position in Junction City, where he later met his wife, LeAnn.

Soon afterward he accepted a job as head pharmacist at the Corvallis Clinic, so he moved his family north to Corvallis. He was pharmacist at the clinic for 35 years and developed many life-long friendships during his time there.

Lael was an avid nature lover and was skillful at being able to name thousands of plants and birds. He designed his own house so that it would overlook Corvallis and the Cascade Range and was able to live there until his passing.

He enjoyed Oregon State University athletics, poker, fantasy sports and skydiving.

He is survived by his sons and their wives, Scott and Brenda, Spence and Kathi, and Shea; daughter, Shawn and her husband, Mike; brother, Paul; sisters, Beth and Faris; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LeAnn.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home.

Arrangements were made with DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home and Crematory, www.demossdurdan.com.