David N. ‘Gut’ Johnston
ESCANABA — David N. “Gut” Johnston, 72, of Escanaba, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 12, 2023 at Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area in Marinette.
He was born on July 10, 1951 in Sault Ste Marie, Mich., the son of Harold and Patricia (Lawrence) Johnston. David was raised in Brimley until his family relocated to Escanaba when he was in 9th grade. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1969.
David spent the majority of his years working as a heavy equipment operator for the Operating Engineers Local 324. In 1984, he purchased BG’s Saloon in Escanaba, which he owned and operated for 19 years.
On July 6, 2012, with their motorcycles by their side, he married the former Julie Ann Robitaille at the Ludington Park gazebo.
David enjoyed riding his motorcycle and had many fond memories of various motorcycle trips taken over the years. He was a great storyteller, an animal lover, and in his younger years he liked playing softball and hockey, swimming, and bowling. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends. David was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354.
He is survived by his wife, Julie of Escanaba; mother, Patricia Johnston of Stephenson; stepdaughter, Taylor Nordman (Tanner Erickson) of Ford River; grandchildren, Charlie and Kyson Nordman; grandpuppy, Libby; cousins, Janet (Dave) Trotter and Robert Lawrence; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Connie (John) Stoykovich, Brian Robitaille (Cherie Gagnon), Jim Robitaille (Dawn Lynch), Karen (Bob) Parker, and Sherri (Gregg) DeVere; many nieces and nephews; life-long friends, Rusty Bluse, Rick Dagenais, Daniel Gouin, Dan “Dinty” Moore, Jim Baker, Jim “Benny” Wells, John Dailey, and Jay Gagnon; and many, many other dear friends who were close to Gut’s heart!
David was preceded in death by his father, Harold Johnston; sister, Cammy Johnston; and life-long friend, Patrick “Mort” Morrow.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 16 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S 13th St, Escanaba. A gathering will immediately follow at the Escanaba Elks Lodge, 510 Ludington Street, Escanaba. A message of condolence can be shared by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.