Peter H. Johnstone

On Saturday, July 6, 2013, Peter H. Johnstone, "Pete," passed away peacefully after a short battle with brain cancer. Born in Lakewood, Ohio, on July 13, 1946, to Stewart D. and Georgine C. Johnstone, Pete and his family moved to Albuquerque in 1955, and Pete spent the next 58 years loving everything about New Mexico. During that time, Pete did many things, had many interests and gained many personal friends and professional colleagues. During high school, Pete attended and graduated from New Mexico Military Institute. He played football during his years there. He returned to Albuquerque to attend UNM and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1970. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Pete then enrolled in the UNM School of Law, graduating in 1974. It was at that moment that his life's work began. Over the next 40 years, Pete would practice law, first with the firm of Keleher and McLeod and then in his own law firm, Peter H. Johnstone, P.C. Known as an excellent trial lawyer, Pete belonged to both the Albuquerque Bar Association, serving at one time as its president and receiving the group's "Outstanding Lawyer Award" in 1991, and the State Bar of New Mexico. His expertise in his field and his willingness to attend closely to his clients' needs made him an exemplar for law students and for those new to the profession. Because of his dedication to the study and practice of law, the UNM Law School will award him one of four "Outstanding Achievement Awards" for 2013. A fervent Lobo fan, Pete not only contributed his money to UNM but also his time. In addition to attending every game and banquet, Pete also served, since 2007, as a Trustee of the UNM Foundation. As an officer of the Foundation, Pete provided leadership in both policy development and communication issues. At his death, he was serving as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. However, Pete's roots in UNM history go much farther back for in the 1970's, during the "Lobo Gate" scandal, Pete served as the attorney representing the University. Former UNM President Bud Davis cited Pete's work in defending UNM as "outstanding." Because of his loyalty to UNM and his unfailing support, Pete will be honored by UNM Athletics with the establishment of the "Peter Johnstone Student Athlete Assistance Fund," a fund that will help support the needs of student athletes which are allowed by the NCAA and not covered by scholarship. The Lobos have lost a true fan here on Earth but have gained a multitude of fans in Heaven. "Lobo on, Pete!" In his professional life, Pete was respected and admired. In his personal life, he was simply loved. Pete has hundreds of friends who will remember his generosity, his ever-present willingness to help in times of need and his unfailing spirit. He could always be counted on to make the bad better and to make the unreachable just a short arm's length away. An avid sports fan, Pete drove hundreds and hundreds of miles over the years to watch and support the Lobos. He spent literally thousands of hours watching any kind of sporting event that was on television. He could and did remember the most obscure facts for baseball, football and basketball and he loved the Dallas Cowboys who have lost a long-time, loyal fan. Additionally, Pete traveled thousands of miles to follow his love of golf. Whether attending a tournament or playing the famous courses around America, Pete marked his attendance by collecting a logo ball from each course and he has hundreds! Watch out when traveling through the Mountain West regions for Pete might just be lurking around the next bend! "To a young heart everything is fun," wrote Charles Dickens, and to Pete everything was fun. He loved life, his family and his friends. He was a good man and he will be mightily missed, but his vision, his courage and his indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of those who love him. Pete is survived by his son, Michael S. Johnstone and his companion, Jackie Burkett; his daughter, Meredith A. Johnstone and her companion Jason Inman; his former wife, Anne Begley Johnstone; his twin sister, Bonnie Johnstone Geer and her husband, Dennis F. Geer; and his long-time friends, Linda Flynn and Michelle Shook. Services will be held Friday, July 12, 2013, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Lomas. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peter Johnstone Athlete Assistance Fund. Make the check out to the UNM Foundation and write "Peter Johnstone" on the memo line. Mail your contribution to 700 Lomas NE, Two Woodward Center, Albuquerque, NM 87102. FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500