Rev. Walter Johnson

1933 - 2024

BORN

1933

DIED

2024

Walter Johnson Obituary

Name: Service for Rev. Walter Johnson
Start: 2024-02-24T21:00:00.000Z
Location: First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Walter Johnson
October 26, 1933 - January 19, 2024
Rev. Walter Elsworth Johnson, age 90, of Millbrae, Calif., passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2024. He entered this world on October 26, 1933, in Stamford, Conn., son of Dwight Sr. and Eleanor Johnson.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Esther Johnson; his children, Lynda Johnson, Brent Johnson, and Sharon (Scott) Hagberg; as well as four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, Janelle (Matt) Muranaka (Lincoln and Liam), Sarah (Sean) Stevens (Finnegan and Cormac), Eric Hagberg, Christopher (Valerie) Basuino; his brother, Charles (Linda) Johnson; his sister-in-law, Diane (Earl) Johnson; and many loving nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; and Dwight Jr. and Vivian Johnson, and Earl Johnson.
He met, and fell in love with, Esther while they both attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1960 and was a member of the San Francisco Presbytery. He started the chaplaincy program at Peninsula Hospital and retired after 30 years; he then went on to become the hospice chaplain for Mission Hospice.
Walter was full of character in his private life. He was an inventor, a magician (The Society of American Magicians SF), a musician, and a pilot. He had a keen interest in computers and electronics, and all aspects of science.
Walter was in a constant state of loving curiosity - about people, the world, and the universe. He felt that life neither begins or ends, it just continues in changing forms.
Walter and Esther not only said their marriage vows in August 1954 but they lived them out every day. He was a loving father to Lynda, Brent, and Sharon. They have wonderful memories of yearly road trips and sing-a-longs in the car. Spending time at the family cabin in Mount Hermon was one of his great joys.
He officiated many weddings, notably those of his grandchildren. He presided over many funerals and also burials at sea from his plane.
A service in honor of Walter's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1500 Easton Drive, Burlingame, Calif. 94010 on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
The family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be directed to Mission Hospice at missionhospice.org, in recognition of their compassionate support and care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Johnson

9 Entries

Gayle Pickrell

October 22, 2024

Walt Johnson was the minister of a small Presbyterian Church in my hometown of Kingsburg, CA when I was in high school. My mother was the organist of that church. When she went through a divorce, it was Rev. Johnson that provided counsel and support. Interestingly enough, when I was on the staff of the Millbrae United Methodist Church many years later, I went through a divorce also. After a particularly hard morning, my mother called Walt Johnson, who was a member of that church, and he reached out to me with such grace, kindness and love. I have enjoyed meeting up with Walter & Esther at ecumenical clergy gatherings in Northern California over the years. I am so sorry to learn of his death, and send warmest regards to his loving family.

Connie and Bill Amend

June 4, 2024

It's not my first memory of Walt, but it is the memory that still lives on through me, even after moving from Burlingame to the east coast. It was the 'hug ministry' he started at Peninsula Hospital. I still have my 'hug button' that he gave out, and have started my own hug ministry at our large (1600+) retirement community near West Chester, PA. He and Esther were blessings for so many in the Burlingame/Millbrae communities, and will be missed. I can only say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Connie (and Bill echoes) Amend

Helen L Lo

March 8, 2024

My condolences to your family

Joyce Keil

February 22, 2024

I have such fond memories of Walter singing in my choir at the Methodist Church in Millbrae. I was very young and he was supportive. The memory that I really treasure is that he guided me when I was trying to express my faith. He in his very kind way challenged me when I asked him how could God be in charge when terrible things were happening. And he forced me to look at my own lack of faith. I regret so much that I never told him that to his face. I had been thinking about him so much recently and was so sad to see his obituary. I realized that I was never able to tell him. I hope that his family finds comfort knowing what a great person he was.

Harry Lewis

February 12, 2024

I went to Whitworth with Walter and grew up with his family as children. His brother Dwight was my age and I have many memories of their cabin at Mt. Hermon and their home in Woodside and even when they lived in Oakland. He was a character!

Robin and Nancy Crawford

February 5, 2024

Dear Esther and Family,
Nancy and l are deeply saddened to hear that Walt has passed away. We so appreciated the hospitality that you and Walt offered us. We were little more than kids ourselves when Walt gave me a job and we found a home to raise our children. Walt was a friend, mentor and boss. He had my respect and affection, and he returned both in full measure. At the darkest time in my life, he was nothing but supportive. I owe him a great deal. We thank you both for your care and kindness. Love, Robin and Nancy

Kathryn Quickert

February 4, 2024

A great and humble man has left us.
I did not know him well personally, but Walt seemed to embody the philosophy of "be curious, not judgmental". His grace, compassion and intellect were always present in abundance whenever we met.
Walt was a great friend to my church, Bethany Presbyterian Church in San Bruno. He graced our pulpit many, many times over the course of 50 years or more, and we always enjoyed his gentle presence. My parents in particular, who were roughly the same age as Walt, loved him and in fact, my grandmother Ruth Quickert babysat him in his youth.
Walt was the pilot when we sent my father`s ashes into the Pacific. He invited not just my mom, but also my brother and son to go along for that last ride with Dad - and he phoned me as we watched them fly so that we could hear the prayers and liturgy he spoke prior to the release.
My deepest condolences to his family. Know that he made the world a little better for all who met him.

Gary Miller

February 2, 2024

Brent I was reading the Chronicle and saw where your father passed away. I am so sorry I know what you and your family are going through. I lost my father in 2015 and my mother in 2020. Brent it will take time to heal and the hurt will never go away. My heart and prays go out to your entire family. I am glad that we met in Junior highs school. My prayers are with you and your family. Best Regards Gary Miller. Denver Co.

Holly Borghello

February 1, 2024

Walter married our daughter and son in law 15 years ago on January 31st 2009. We are sad read about his passing. He was a gentle soul who shared great wisdom. Rest in peace Walter.

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