Roy M. Johnston

Roy Johnston, 87, of Moline, died Tuesday February 15th, at Trinity Pathway Hospice, Bettendorf.
Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M, Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Boys and Girls Club, 338 6th Street, Moline.
Roy was born August 9, 1923 in Morrison, IL, son of Roy Sr. and Dorothy Knox Johnston. Growing up in Morrison, IL, he was active in football, track, and played the French horn, graduating in 1941. He followed brother Herb into the Army Air Corps at the beginning of WWII, first as an aviation crew chief, then attended University of Tennessee, followed by flight school ending the war as a pilot of B-24s as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve. Returning to Moline from the service, Roy met Edie Jones at her family business, the Moline Roller Rink, where he "waltzed" her into a lifetime romance. They married in Morrison, IL in 1946. Roy and Edie proceeded to develop their business as one of the premier social venues of the 1950's. Roy's dream and vision culminated in his 1960 construction of Skateland in East Moline. Continuing on the theme of family values, thousands of QC youngsters grew up with roller-skating in their lives. Skateland's design and innovative construction materials became the prototype for other facilities across the country, and Roy was later awarded the Roller Skating Association Life Achievement Award for his contributions to the sport. Roy's successes continued with the creation of Kennedy Square Shopping Center. Daughter Judy and son Roy III "Bud" both joined the family in the active operation of both businesses.
Roy was a 65-year active member of Short Hills CC, serving on the Board of Directors and later President in 1962. He was a member of First Congregational Church of Moline. He served on the Quad City Airport Board of Appeals and was a member of the Elks, Masons, VFW, Exchange Club, and the American Legion.
In retirement, Roy and Edie enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, Canada and Europe. After Edie's death in 1992, he found his closest friendships with the afternoon card game, and the local casinos where his gentle style was known to hundreds of staff and regulars.
Roy is survived by daughter Judy Bowser (Doug) Moline, and son Roy "Bud" (Cindi Peterson) Moline, grandchildren Traci (Michael Rose) Texas, Todd (Elizabeth) Bowser, Ma, Jay Maier (Arine) Hillsdale, IL, Terra (Jason Neidigh) Colona, IL. Great grandchildren Tina and Katie Rose, Chandler Maier, Brothers Guy (Sara) Springfield), and Bob (Bev) Ocala , FL, and special friend Jane Gish and her extended family.
He was preceded in death by wife Edith Louise (Jones), parents, and brothers Richard and Herb.
Online condolences may be expressed to Roy's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com or memories may be shared by visiting Skateland's facebook page.