Stephen Porter Johnston was born on January 28, 1958, in Seattle, Washington to Patricia O’Connor and Fred Johnston and spent his early years in the family home built by his grandfather overlooking the Fauntleroy Ferry Docks.
Stephen started working in the seafood industry at the age of 15 for Universal Seafoods in high school while UniSea was still operating on the Seattle waterfront. Stephen worked full-time throughout high school running the clean up crew on the night shift and attending Chief Sealth High School during the day. His extraordinary drive and work ethic propelled him up the corporate ladder during his 17 years with UniSea. He was recruited in 1995 by American Seafoods to build their Purchasing Department as he had achieved an excellent reputation in the industry. Stephen hit his stride professionally at American Seafoods, going from a medium sized, shore-based Alaskan operation to a large ocean going fleet operating worldwide.
Stephen was equally driven and passionate in his hobbies, be it water and snow skiing, becoming a master scuba diver and most recently, learning to stand-up paddle. Stephen also had a passion for boats, cars…basically anything with an engine.
He is survived by wife Kathy, son Morgan, daughters Tara and Kristen, and sister Taya. He was a devoted husband, loving father and a fiercely loyal friend.
A memorial mass celebrating Stephen’s life will be held on Saturday, September 13th, 10:00 am, at St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.
A reception to celebrate his life will be held following the mass at McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside, 1200 Westlake Avenue North from 12 noon – 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Stephen’s memory to one of the organizations below.
Ballard Food Bank, 5130 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Treehouse, 2100 24th Ave S, Suite #200, Seattle, WA 98144