He died this week, aged 80, at Albury's Mercy hospital after a long battle with illness.

Johnston was president of North Albury from 1991-96 when the Hoppers lifted themselves out of the on-field doldrums which included a 36-match losing streak before he joined the O and M board of directors where he served for more than 15 seasons.

His efforts have been recognised with life membership of the O and M, North Albury Football-Netball Club, North Albury Sports Club and North Albury Past Players and Officials Association.

He is also a life member of Waverley Football Club and a recipient of the Victorian Country Football League service medallion.

Former O and M chairman Greg Claney said Johnston was a fine servant of the league.

"He believed in the board," Claney said.

"At different times I don't think he was on the Christmas card list of North Albury because he saw things as they should have been irrespective of which club it was.

"He was very fair and straight down the line on all issues.

"He was very strong on the board doing things even if it upset one or two clubs.

"It was always for the greater good."

Johnston was passionate about inter-league football at a time when the Ovens and Murray was the undisputed premier competition in the state.

He also followed in the footsteps of the competition's father figures, Cleaver Bunton and Did Simpson, with the counting of gate-takings from finals matches each year.

One of his final involvements in football was a member of the O and M Hall of Fame committee.

He is survived by wife Nola and children Ian, Robert, Darren and Melissa and families and will be farewell at a private funeral service.