Brandon Johnston

Brandon Johnston ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Hodge Funeral Home - Saint Maries on Mar. 17, 2026.Brandon Johnston (36) left this world far too soon on March 3, 2026, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. His passing was sudden and unexpected, leaving behind a family, friends, and a community who loved him deeply and who now struggle to imagine life without him.Brandon was born on November 16, 1989, in Eugene, Oregon, to Robert and Terri Johnston. He spent his childhood growing up in the same family home in Deadwood, Oregon, surrounded by the forests and rivers that would shape his lifelong love of the outdoors. Brandon graduated from Mapleton High School with the Class of 2008.In 2010, not long after graduation, Brandon met Elaina Moore in Eugene. Their connection was immediate and undeniable. Together they began building a life and family, welcoming their two beloved sons, Wiley and Wesson. The couple made their home in Florence, Oregon, and were married in 2017. Their life together was filled with adventure, laughter, and a shared dream of living close to nature.In his early years, Brandon worked a few different jobs as he found his path. He spent time in the logging industry setting chokers and falling timber, hard work that he took pride in and that helped spark his deep appreciation for the outdoors. Later, he became a certified repair and maintenance technician for hot tubs and, true to his entrepreneurial spirit, opened and operated his own business for several years. Eventually, Brandon joined the family business and became a Certified Hearing Specialist, working alongside his in-laws. Eventually, Brandon and Elaina decided to pursue a new chapter in life.Brandon's heart was always calling him back to the outdoors, and North Idaho felt like the perfect place to plant new roots. After briefly considering Post Falls, they realized the pace of life there wasn't quite what they were looking for. When they discovered their dream property near Santa, Idaho, they knew they had found home.Together, Brandon and Elaina opened Paradigm Hearing in St. Maries, originally operating out of Benewah Community Hospital before establishing their permanent location on 7th Street. They also expanded their work by opening Coeur d'Alene Family Hearing, serving families throughout the region. His legacy will still continue and these clinics will stay open.Living near Santa was everything Brandon had hoped for. The outdoors was where he felt most alive. He was an avid bow hunter who pursued everything from grouse to big game like elk. He enjoyed building and shooting firearms, target shooting, and reloading his own ammunition. While fishing boats weren't always his favorite place to be, he loved fly fishing and especially enjoyed relaxing days pontooning on the river or lake-just the right speed and wake for him.More than anything, Brandon loved sharing these passions with those closest to him. He and Elaina were known for hosting gatherings at their property, where massive bonfires lit up the night and laughter carried through the trees. It was in these moments-teaching his sons, spending time with family, and welcoming friends-that Brandon was truly happiest. He believed in living simply, close to the land, and passing that way of life down to his boys.Brandon's sudden passing leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His wife, children, family, and friends will forever miss his adventurous spirit, his quiet strength, and the deep love he had for his family. Under the wide North Idaho sky he loved so much, Brandon's spirit will live on in every hunt, every cast of a fly line, every bonfire, and in the hearts of the two boys who were his greatest pride.He is survived by his loving wife, Elaina Johnston, at their home near Santa, Idaho; his cherished sons, Wiley and Wesson Johnston; his parents, Robert and Terri Johnston of Deadwood, Oregon; his father- and mother-in-law, Emmanuel and Theresa Beaulieu of Westlake, Oregon; his sister Crystal (Robin) Johnston of Eugene, Oregon; siblings-in-law Elizabeth (Michael) Miller of Brush Prairie, Washington, Emilee (Logan) Powell of San Clemente, California, and Anthony Ward of Eugene, Oregon; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he touched.A private Celebration of Life will be held on Brandon's beloved property later this summer.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.