OBITUARIES...Peck Johnston

Peck Johnston, 73, chairman of Johnston Supply, Marion, Ohio, and one of the founding members of buying group WIT & Co., Ltd., died Oct. 16. He fought a brief battle with cancer with courage and dignity. He chose to live the last days of his life to the fullest, which was no surprise to anyone who knew him and a testament to how he chose to live every day of his life, according to WIT. After graduating from high school in 1950 and serving in the U.S. Army, he worked with his father at Johnston Supply, where he remained chairman until the time of his death. Johnston was active in the Marion, Ohio community and supported many charitable organizations. He enjoyed boating and golfing. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor and generosity. “Peck Johnston was truly an inspiration to those around him,” WIT said, adding, “His love and devotion to family, friends, employees and associates will always be remembered, and his presence will be greatly missed by all. WIT sends heartfelt condolences to the Johnston family and to Johnston Supply. The WIT group was fortunate to share an emotional 30th anniversary celebration with Peck Johnston at its September 2004 stockholders meeting in Richmond, Va., where distributors remembered their roots and bonded together. WIT & Co. mourns a great leader.” Contributions may be made to Quality of Life Hospice of Marion and Emanuel Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at DFH1866@aol.com.