Scott H. Johnston PhD
Date of Passing:
Johnston, Scott H., PhD, 59, of Humphreys Road, Barrington, died peacefully on June 1, 2021 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence. He was the beloved husband of Tatiana (Ivanenko) Johnston.
Born in Indianapolis, IN, a son of Bradford Johnston and Jane (Collette) Johnston of Cambridge, MA, he lived in Barrington for 12 years.
Dr. Johnston was a Clinical Psychologist for the past 17 years.
Scott was a graduate of George Washington University and earned his PhD at Columbia University.
Besides his wife of 18 years, he is survived by a daughter, Hadley A. Johnston of Barrington and two brothers, Mike and Charlie Johnston.
Calling hours will be held in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside on Saturday June 26, 2021 from 3-5 p.m.
Scott and I were friends when we worked at the NIH together in the 80s. When he went to graduate school at Columbia I would visit him, but when I started a family and moved to California we lost touch. Every once in a while, over decades, I would try to find him, but he had very little online presence and there were just too many Scott Johnstons that turned up on Google. Recently, I was cleaning up and found an old letter from him, reminding me what a fun, funny, smart person he was. I thought, “maybe AI could find him,” and sure enough, ChatGPT found him in seconds. I was so sad to discover that he had passed away, and that I found him too late. Scott was such an amazing guy–I know that his passing must have been a shock to so many. I just wish I had been able to find him sooner and let him know how much I appreciated him.
I was a patient of Dr. Johnston’s almost twenty years ago, when I was in college. Many years later I became a therapist. Dr. Johnston was the best therapist I’ve ever had – there were a few along the way after I left Providence. He helped me in so many ways! I looked him up to reach back out. Looks like, I missed him – I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss, especially his family, wife and daughter. I remember him speaking of his baby many years ago. He was exceptional and clinically spot-on. Many years later, I find myself revisiting much of what he told me that he caught and others missed. Thanks again and many condolences for your loss 🙏🏼
I have counted Scott as one of my best friends for many years since college. Time and distance watered down the contact. He reached out to me a year ago after opening a time capsule. I was touched. Scott was deeply interested in others and a loyal friend. I will remember and miss him.
Scott’s playful intelligence, generous spirit, and loving nature will be so deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to have known him.
I remember his welcoming and generosity when I first started private practice, and enjoyed many talks and consultations with him. So wise and kind.
Scott was incredibly kind, patient, loving, and quick to laugh. I feel profoundly lucky to have known him. He helped guide me in many ways and I will hold him in my heart forever.
A loving man, a stand out psychologist, and a fine friend. He will be missed, his memory, a blessing.