Malcolm Johnston of Standerton shares some of his thoughts
Energy levels were such that the man who completed a Comrades Marathon in his time, had to cut back and concentrate on what was more important to him.
Mr Malcolm Johnston’s thorough financial acumen has resulted in serving on several committees in the community and on national level.
Malcolm is managing the portfolio of national treasurer of the 410E Lions District, as well as treasurer of the Standerton Marathon Club.
“I like figures,” he said.
“If you participated in something, you can still give back to the community.”
He retired 11 years ago after working 31 years in the finance department at Nestlé, Standerton.
His children Claire, Andrew and Helen, as well as his grandchildren Brett and Erin, would probably see more of him now after travelling across borders are allowed.
Talking about Claire Johnston, her nickname aptly referred to Mango Groove.
Malcolm became involved with the Lions Club in Standerton in April 1974 and was inducted as president three times.
While his children attended Standerton Primary School, he was secretary of the managing board.
The Johnstons attended high school in Potchefstroom which made for some organising manoeuvres.
“I travelled backwards and forwards between Potch and Standerton for nine years,” he commented.
“That is why I had to give up running.”
Energy levels were such that the man who completed a Comrades Marathon in his time, had to cut back and concentrate on what was more important to him.
“I wanted my kids to have a better life than what I had.”
Malcolm and his late wife Francis, did a fair bit of travelling overseas.
He was impressed with the Germans that made everything work in those years and as for the Orient, with the discipline of the nations.
As district governor of the Lions, he attended a two-weeks-convention in Hamburg in 2013.
“Beer and Eisbein,” he said.
The attending Lions were trained in leadership management, taking into account the club’s international objectives in relation to the country involved.
Malcolm potters a bit in his vegetable garden and reads the newspaper daily, without fail.
The Sudoku obviously gets his full attention. The family would get together for Christmas, no doubt.
Anything on the bucket list perhaps?
“I always said to Francis that I wanted to go to the Rugby World Cup, but it did not materialise.”
In conclusion, Malcolm remarked on the younger generation.
“Life has changed completely for younger people, they don’t have much spare time for themselves.”
