1903–1988
Pine Hills Cemetery
Section 8 Lot 975
Henry “Percy” Johnston was born with winter in his veins. In the late 1920s, when frozen lakes and outdoor rinks were the proving grounds of champions, Percy carved his name into history as a speed skater. His blades sped across the ice as he shattered world records in the three-quarter, three and five-mile events, earning cheers from crowds in Canada and the United States.
In 1928, Percy crossed the border to join a Detroit skating team, where his skill earned him a pair of silver blades, a symbol of speed and grace. Over the years, he amassed more than 130 medals and trophies, each one proof of his relentless pursuit of speed and excellence. His skates came from Harold Ballard, long before Ballard became synonymous with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When the roar of competition faded, Percy turned to coaching, passing on his wisdom to a new generation of skaters. His love for the sport never dimmed; it simply changed form, from the thrill of racing to the quiet pride of mentorship. He was inducted into the Canadian Speed Skating Hall of Fame in May 1966 for “contributions to and achievements in the field of speed skating.”
Percy Johnston lived 85 remarkable years before his final chapter closed in July 1988. Today, his story rests in peace at Pine Hills Cemetery, where the winter wind still seems to hum to the rhythm of his skates.
Sources:
• Mount Pleasant Group archives
• Speed Skating Canada – Hall of Fame
Photo: Adobe stock
