Bernice Johnston, Beloved Local Leader, Co-Owner of Montana River Guides, Oula Dance Fitness Instructor, and Community Volunteer, Remembered After Sudden Passing. The Missoula Community Mourns the Sudden Loss of Bernice Johnston, a Pillar of Local Leadership, Love, and Adventure

The Missoula community has been shaken by the sudden loss of one of its most cherished members, Bernice Johnston. Known for her relentless dedication to service, community-building, and passionate leadership, Bernice’s unexpected passing has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her. A beloved local leader, Bernice was a co-owner of Montana River Guides, an Oula dance fitness instructor, and an active volunteer and counselor who touched countless lives throughout the area.

A Lifelong Commitment to the Missoula Community

Bernice Johnston, alongside her husband Mike, co-founded Montana River Guides in 1994, where the couple shared their love of whitewater rafting with the world. Their company quickly became a cornerstone of Missoula’s outdoor adventure scene, offering unforgettable experiences for people of all ages and abilities. While the river adventures were at the heart of the company, it was Bernice’s commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment that made Montana River Guides so much more than just an outdoor business. Her ability to connect with each person who walked through the door made them feel like part of the extended Montana River Guides family.

Bernice’s spirit wasn’t confined to the river, however. As an Oula dance fitness instructor, she was known for her vibrant energy, bringing movement, joy, and an incredible sense of connection to all of her classes. Oula is a fitness program that blends dance, exercise, and community, and it perfectly aligned with Bernice’s passion for bringing people together through movement and fun. Her classes quickly became some of the most popular in Missoula, and it was said that anyone who attended left feeling empowered, refreshed, and uplifted.

Beyond the business and fitness communities, Bernice was deeply involved in Missoula’s nonprofit scene. She was a dedicated counselor, offering her guidance to those in need, and a tireless volunteer who could always be counted on to help with local events, fundraisers, and causes. Her genuine desire to help others was a defining characteristic of her life, and it is perhaps what her friends and colleagues remember most about her: her endless capacity for kindness and generosity.

A Legacy of Adventure, Joy, and Community

While Bernice was known for her work as a business owner, fitness instructor, and community volunteer, what truly set her apart was her zest for life. Those who knew her best recall her infectious smile, her love for adventure, and her unwavering optimism. She had an ability to bring out the best in everyone around her, whether on a whitewater rafting trip, in an Oula class, or in a one-on-one conversation. It was clear to anyone who spent time with her that Bernice Johnston lived life with a passion that was both inspiring and contagious.

Her impact on the local community extended far beyond just the work she did. Bernice was a beacon of hope and positivity for so many in Missoula, particularly those who faced difficult times. She was an advocate for mental health and often volunteered her time to support individuals struggling with challenges in their personal lives. It was said that Bernice had a rare ability to listen intently and offer support without judgment, making her a trusted figure for many who needed guidance and understanding.

Her legacy lives on in the countless individuals she helped and the community she worked so hard to build. Whether through her work at Montana River Guides, her Oula classes, or her volunteer efforts, Bernice’s influence was felt far and wide. Her passing leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill, but her spirit, her compassion, and her unyielding commitment to her community will continue to inspire those who remain.

A Devoted Family Woman

Bernice’s family was the center of her world. She and her husband Mike shared not only a business but a life of love, adventure, and mutual respect. Together, they built Montana River Guides from the ground up, sharing a vision of providing people with the opportunity to experience the wild beauty of Montana’s rivers while fostering a deep appreciation for nature.

In addition to her partnership with Mike in their business, Bernice was a loving mother, aunt, and friend. Her family often spoke about her as someone who not only dedicated herself to the success of her business but who also made sure to nurture her personal relationships with those she loved. She was known for her thoughtful gestures, her ability to remember important moments in others’ lives, and her unwavering presence when anyone in her family needed support.

Her loss has left her family, including her husband, children, and extended relatives, heartbroken. While they mourn her passing, they take comfort in knowing that Bernice’s legacy of love and care will continue to guide them as they navigate life without her.

Tributes from the Community

As news of her sudden passing spread, tributes from the Missoula community began pouring in. Her friends, family, colleagues, and clients all shared their memories of Bernice, painting a picture of a woman who touched lives in profound ways.

“Bernice was the heart and soul of everything she did,” said one longtime friend. “Her passion for life, her ability to bring people together, and her endless compassion made her someone everyone wanted to be around. She just made life better for everyone she touched.”

A fellow Oula instructor shared her thoughts, saying, “Bernice was the kind of teacher that made you feel like you were her only student. She gave her all in every class, and she created a space where people could feel safe, comfortable, and, most importantly, joyful. I can’t imagine what the community will be like without her.”

One of Bernice’s clients from Montana River Guides said, “Bernice made every rafting trip feel like an adventure with a friend. She and Mike created something special, and Bernice’s energy and passion for the outdoors were contagious. She made us all feel like part of the family, and I know we will all miss her deeply.”

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Plans

While the loss of Bernice Johnston is deeply felt across Missoula, her family is committed to celebrating her life and legacy in a way that reflects the joy, love, and kindness she spread throughout her years. The family plans to announce memorial services in the coming weeks and encourage all who knew Bernice to come together to honor her memory.

In addition to a formal memorial service, those who wish to continue Bernice’s work are being encouraged to contribute to local charitable organizations that Bernice was passionate about. These include organizations that support mental health initiatives, women’s wellness, and environmental conservation, causes that were very close to Bernice’s heart.

Bernice’s legacy will also be honored through the work of Montana River Guides, which will continue to operate in her memory. Her husband Mike, who has been a partner in the business since its inception, has vowed to keep their shared dream alive, ensuring that the company remains a cornerstone of adventure and community in Missoula.

The Community’s Enduring Memory of Bernice Johnston

While it will be difficult to imagine Missoula without Bernice Johnston, her memory and impact will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of all those she inspired. She was not just a business owner, an instructor, or a volunteer; she was a beacon of hope, a symbol of community, and a testament to the power of kindness and connection. As the community comes to terms with her loss, they will undoubtedly carry forward the lessons she imparted and the values she instilled in them.

Her legacy reminds us all of the importance of living life with purpose, of making a difference in the lives of others, and of embracing each day with joy, compassion, and an open heart.

As Missoula grieves, we also celebrate the life of Bernice Johnston – a woman whose light will continue to shine brightly in the community she loved so much.