Westmont Magazine Longtime Trustee Roy Johnston Dies

Roy G. Johnston, a structural engineer whose work contri-buted to the shape of the Los Angeles skyline and the development of seismic requirements for building codes, died March 13. A founding partner of the structural and civil engi-neering firm, Brandow & Johnston Inc., he practiced his profession 67 years, retiring in 2002 at the age of 88. His company designed the skeletons of more than 20,000 projects throughout Southern California, including high-rise office buildings, hospitals, convention centers, universities, airports, schools, and industrial facilities. He worked diligently to advance structural engineering and the design of earthquake-safe buildings, and he served as a mentor for many engineers. He received numerous pro-fessional awards and held many leadership positions.

Born in Chicago in 1914, Johnston attended USC during the Depression on an alumni scholarship. Deeply appreciative for his college education, he served on the Westmont board of trustees for 25 years, spending 16 years as chairman (1972-1988). He was also a director of the Independent Colleges of Southern California from 1973-1977.

“Roy was one of those faithful Westmont trustees who served diligently and sacrificially during many lean and chal-lenging years at the college,” said President Gayle D. Beebe. “We join his family in giving thanks to God for his long and fruitful life.”