Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Blair Gordon Hooper JOHNSTON
Blair JOHNSTON Obituary
1923 - 2025
Pioneering Publisher, Devoted Family Man, and Faithful Servant
Blair Johnston, visionary entrepreneur, respected church leader, and loving family man, passed away peacefully this week at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.
Born in 1932, Blair's life was marked by hard work, deep faith, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. After completing a diploma at agricultural college, Blair began his career as a stock and station agent in outback Queensland. There, he developed a keen understanding of people, and the value of community and generosity - qualities that would define his life's work.
Blair went on to become a top-performing salesman and group manager for PYE Industries Ltd, where he was recognised nationally for his excellence and leadership. His success in sales and management revealed a gift for communication and connection, which laid the foundation for his next bold step.
In 1968, alongside his first wife Merrylle, Blair launched the Personal Trading Post from the living room of their family home. What began as a small classified paper, quickly grew into one of Queensland's most beloved and successful publications. Over the next 30 years, Blair and Merrylle built the Personal Trading Post into a flourishing business that, by the time of its sale to Hebdo Mag International in 1998, was producing more sales for private advertisers than any other publication in the state.
Following his retirement, Blair devoted himself to philanthropic work with the same passion and purpose that defined his career. Through his charitable efforts, he helped thousands of children, young adults, and families around the world gain access to higher and vocational education, and receive critical support in the aftermath of war, civil unrest, and natural disasters. His compassion and generosity reached across continents, bringing hope, opportunity, and dignity to countless lives during their most vulnerable times.
A man of great faith, Blair was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in several leadership roles and was a much-loved part of the church community in Temple View, New Zealand.
Blair was first married to Merrylle Johnston, with whom he raised seven children. After Merrylle's passing, Blair found companionship and joy once more with Faye Johnston, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage. Blair is survived by his seven children, 34 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. To the, and to all who knew him, he was a source of wisdom, strength, and unwavering love.
A celebration of Blair's life will be held at 11.00am on 22 July 2025 at the David O. McKay Centre, Temple View, New Zealand.
Pioneering Publisher, Devoted Family Man, and Faithful Servant
Blair Johnston, visionary entrepreneur, respected church leader, and loving family man, passed away peacefully this week at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.
Born in 1932, Blair's life was marked by hard work, deep faith, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. After completing a diploma at agricultural college, Blair began his career as a stock and station agent in outback Queensland. There, he developed a keen understanding of people, and the value of community and generosity - qualities that would define his life's work.
Blair went on to become a top-performing salesman and group manager for PYE Industries Ltd, where he was recognised nationally for his excellence and leadership. His success in sales and management revealed a gift for communication and connection, which laid the foundation for his next bold step.
In 1968, alongside his first wife Merrylle, Blair launched the Personal Trading Post from the living room of their family home. What began as a small classified paper, quickly grew into one of Queensland's most beloved and successful publications. Over the next 30 years, Blair and Merrylle built the Personal Trading Post into a flourishing business that, by the time of its sale to Hebdo Mag International in 1998, was producing more sales for private advertisers than any other publication in the state.
Following his retirement, Blair devoted himself to philanthropic work with the same passion and purpose that defined his career. Through his charitable efforts, he helped thousands of children, young adults, and families around the world gain access to higher and vocational education, and receive critical support in the aftermath of war, civil unrest, and natural disasters. His compassion and generosity reached across continents, bringing hope, opportunity, and dignity to countless lives during their most vulnerable times.
A man of great faith, Blair was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in several leadership roles and was a much-loved part of the church community in Temple View, New Zealand.
Blair was first married to Merrylle Johnston, with whom he raised seven children. After Merrylle's passing, Blair found companionship and joy once more with Faye Johnston, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage. Blair is survived by his seven children, 34 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. To the, and to all who knew him, he was a source of wisdom, strength, and unwavering love.
A celebration of Blair's life will be held at 11.00am on 22 July 2025 at the David O. McKay Centre, Temple View, New Zealand.
Published by Waikato Times on Jul. 22, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Blair JOHNSTON
1 Entry
Rachel Good
July 22, 2025
My heart goes out to Faye and family during this very hard time, thinking of you all, RIP Blair
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results