Love and music: Why a Saskatoon couple chose to die in each other's arms

It's fitting that Ralph Johnstone and Laura Bach's romance played out like the lyrics of a rock and roll song — maybe a power ballad.

They were introduced by Bach's ex-husband, a keyboard player who knew Johnstone through H.E.L. Music Supplies Ltd. on Broadway Avenue, the store Johnstone ran.

"It was love at first sight," said Bach's daughter, Johnna Burlingham. The couple were "joined at the hip" from then on.

Johnstone worked at the store and the pair would meet for coffee at the Broadway Roastery.

He eventually sold H.E.L. and the couple settled into a comfortable retirement, focusing on projects they enjoyed.

"They were both very into caring for the yard and I know my Mom was always into re-finishing furniture, she would just sand down dressers with so much patience," Burlingham said.

"It was a real passion of theirs to be able to share those hobbies together."

Over the past decade, though, their health began to decline. Both struggled with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung disease that makes breathing difficult.

Bach also had other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, that caused chronic pain, created dietary restrictions and reduced her quality of life.

Then last fall, Johnstone was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was shortly after that he and Bach decided to apply for the medical assistance in dying program (MAID). They wanted to die together..

"As soon as they felt that it was right for them, it was a comfort," Burlingham said.

"I don't think either person could see themselves without the other."

They were both accepted into the program. Ralph, 77, and Laura, 67, died in each other's arms on Aug. 8.

Ralph Johnstone met with his kids in the fall of 2022, not long after the cancer diagnosis.