April 15, 1936 – January 20, 2025
Robert Slater Johnstone, age 88, passed away peacefully in a board and care home in Menlo Park, California, on January 20, 2025, from dementia and complications of a brief illness. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on April 15, 1936, to Donald and Jane McClure Johnstone, Robert settled in Palo Alto, California, in 1973. He is survived by his wife and partner of 45 years, Kristina Smith, and sons from a previous marriage to Sandra Martin, Michael and Alexander. Robert is also survived by siblings William, Donna, Barbara, Marjorie, and Richard. He was preceded in death by his brother James, and stepmother Bernetta Johnstone.
Robert attended high school in Los Alamos and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Robert loved New Mexico, and returned to visit many times, especially
for high school reunions in Los Alamos.
He attended the California Institute of Technology, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, in 1958. He received a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Santa Clara University in 1969. Robert was employed by Lockheed-Martin Aerospace in Sunnyvale, California, as a Hydrodynamics Engineer, from 1958 until he
retired in 1998.
Robert loved music, played the trumpet, and was a participant in several bands. He enjoyed the symphony, the theater, and opera, and was a frequent attendee at performances in San Francisco over the years. Robert also had a talent and love for woodworking, and graced his home with beautiful, useful, and ornamental pieces.
There will be no service or memorial, as per Robert’s wishes. His ashes will be scattered over the Pacific Ocean. Donations in Robert’s name may be given to support a music program for children in your area.
“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.”
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