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-inlaw, 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.