The son of Robert Johnston, a merchant, and Theresa Coghlan, he was born in Waltham.
When he was in government he relied on his paramour, Marie Tremblay to read and explain things to him.. From 1941 to 1946, worked as a lumberjack[1] From 1935 to 1938, Johnston worked for the Canadian International Paper Company in Témiscaming, again as a lumberjack.
During his term there were financial improprieties in the Pontiac, including Otter Lake.
While all of Johnston's sons became professionals or business owners, his daughters, (whom he did acknowledge and support) were never educated.
He will be remembered for his cross dressing and was frequently seen strutting around town in long fur coats and woman's attire.