Paul P. Johnston

Paul P. Johnston, 80, passed away peacefully at home on July 8, 2024, with Jacqueline, his beloved wife of 59 years at his bedside. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Boston, MA on May 18, 1944, Paul was the second child of Frederick and Ruth Johnston, who moved their family to West Newbury when Paul was 8 years old. Country life suited Paul, and he embraced farm chores and proved himself capable, responsible, and dedicated from an early age. He fondly recalled working in the fields and stables at Orcland Farms on Crane Neck Street.

In 1961, while judging cows at the Topsfield Fair, Paul’s attention was also on 4-H contestant Jacqueline Duchemin. Believing they were meant to be together, Jacqueline announced on their first date that she would marry him. They were each other’s closest and truest partners in every way from that day on.

Paul graduated from Essex Agricultural High School in 1962, where he played pivotal roles on the football and basketball teams. In 1964, he graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Dairy Technology. Marriage followed in September that year, and sons Paul Jr., Eric, and Daniel were born in 1965, 1966, and 1968.

As devoted as Paul was to his family, he was also exceptionally loyal to his employer. He quickly advanced from an entry level position to Plant Manager at the New England Milk Producers Association. In 1976, at 32 years old, he was promoted to General Manager of the largest dairy cooperative in New England, Yankee Milk. He led that cooperative and its successor, Agri-Mark, Inc. as President and CEO until his retirement in 2011, including through the acquisitions of nationally branded Cabot Cheese and the McCadam Cheese Company in New York.

Recognized for his work ethic, leadership, and keen decisions, Paul served on the Boards and Executive Committees of the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, as well as other regional and national associations. Until this year, he was a Trustee of the “Big E” Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA. Committed to progress in the dairy industry, he pursued opportunities, overcame challenges, followed his intuition, and allied with farmers, distributors, and executives.

Paul was a voracious reader of current events, history, and fiction, and nearly always had a book in hand. He enjoyed quiet weekends at Cole’s Pond in Walden, Vermont, and spent many hours tending vegetable gardens. At family events, he was generous, witty, and wise – and deeply proud of the generations gathered around him.

He leaves his devoted wife Jacqueline, son Paul and wife Gigi, son Eric and wife Deanna, son Daniel and wife Heidi, and grandchildren Kyle and wife Alex, Andrew, Lauren, Hailey, Ryan, Natalie, and Elias Johnston, all of whom will honor his memory over their lifetimes.

Paul was predeceased by brothers Frederick Jr., Ronald and Robert and sister-in-law, Linda, and is survived by siblings Kevin and Mary Kate and sister-in-law, Christine, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, on July 18, from 5 to 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Church, 300 Main Street, West Newbury on July 19, at 10:30 am, followed by burial at the Walnut Hill Cemetery on Bachelor Street, West Newbury. Donations honoring Paul’s life may be made to the G.A.R. Memorial Library, West Newbury.