The Legacy of William W. Johnston, MD’59, and Charles R. West

Duke Pathology celebrates the lives and generosity of Dr. William (Bill) Webb Johnston, 90, and his partner of 62 years Charles (Chuck) Raymond West, 92. They passed away in the spring of 2024 and both left a legacy of service to Duke University and their community. In addition, they gifted their estates to the Department.

History with Duke and Department

Johnston completed medical school in 1959 at Duke, where he also did his residency then joined the Department of Pathology.  At the time, the Department was in its early stages, with minimal resources available. It became Johnston’s mission over the course of his career to improve the capacity of the Department in the areas of research, teaching, and diagnostic capabilities.

He established the first formal training for cytology residents in the United States and lobbied for grant funding to launch the first fellowship in the Department. He was promoted to Professor of Pathology in 1972 and served as the first chief of Cytopathology, a division he created, for 25 years until his retirement in 1996.

During his career in the Department, Johnston focused on pulmonary cytology, infectious diseases, and immunocytochemistry. He co-authored 135 peer-reviewed papers, 23 book chapters, and five books. One of his greatest honors was receiving the American Society of Cytopathology’s Papanicolaou Award in 1986. He also received the Distinguished Service Award of the Commission of Continuing Education of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and served as President of the American Society of Cytopathology (1981-1982).

“Bill was a superb pathologist, an accomplished researcher, and a dedicated teacher, said Johnston-West Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Department Chair Jiaoti Huang, MD, PhD. “Bill and Chuck’s generous estate gifts demonstrate their continued commitment to the Department and is another highlight of their legacy.”

On the other side of Duke’s campus, West served for 27 years as director of Corporate Payroll Services. His team was responsible for the distribution of nearly 25,000 checks bi-weekly, operating for most of that time in an era without computers or adding machines. West was a beloved figure on campus.

In 1969, student protestors unexpectedly occupied the Allen Building where his staff was at work.

"We could hear the hammering of nails through the walls, and we were concerned that the building would be set on fire," recalled West. “I turned to my team and I said, ‘We have a payroll to get done. Do your thing.” So, the staff divvied up financial records for safekeeping and rushed out of the building to make sure everyone got paid. Upon his retirement, he received the Duke University Award for Merit for his exemplary service.

“To see how we can make a difference in the department is a true joy,” wrote Johnston. “It took us years to make a decision, but this is one of the happiest things we have ever done. Unlike surgery or medicine, pathology is a department without grateful patients. Yet it is vital. All of medicine is buttressed by pathology.” 

Who They Were Outside of Duke

Both Johnston and West were lifelong travelers and antique collectors, and their classic home outside of Durham showcased antiques and art from all over the world. Classical music played a significant role in their lives. Johnston was a renowned organist, and both he and West performed in concerts and recitals throughout the United States and Europe. West was a regular participant in Sunday morning worship at Duke Chapel, while Johnston served as organist at several Triangle churches and was a strong supporter of Duke Chapel’s extraordinary collection of organs.

In his retirement years West followed his passion to ice skate, practicing almost daily. When he was not skating or traveling, he spent his time gardening on their beautiful grounds by Little River in rural Hillsborough, North Carolina.

A graveside service was held for West on June 3, 2024, at Union Memorial Gardens in Union, South Carolina, conducted by their close friend, The Reverend Dr. Gene Jester.  A graveside service for Johnston was held 18 days later on June 22, 2024, also at Union Memorial Gardens and conducted by Rev. Jester. Johnston was buried next to West, who was buried next to his parents.

Both leave behind a host of dear friends in the Department, the Duke University community, and beyond.