Issue date: December 15, 1999
Kiersten Johnson
"She leaves behind a legacy of courage. Through her constant physical ailments, she maintained a positive attitude and a love for life that was contagious," says her cousin Clayton Hatfield.
Kiersten, a former Menlo Park resident, is survived by her mother, Marianne Johnson, and brother, Lawrence, of Mountain View; grandmother Jacquelyn John of Menlo Park; grandparents Kurt and Inger Olesen of Denmark; uncle John Olesen of Denmark; aunt and uncle Sharon and Michael Johnson of Woodside; and many cousins. Her father was the late Craig Johnson.
In her memory, donations may be sent to Camp OKIZU Foundation, 16 Digital Drive, P.O. Box 6115, Novato, CA 94948-6115.
James Ferguson
He died November 18 in his Sunnyvale home.
Mr. Ferguson moved from Texas to California in the late 1940s. He worked with gaited horses and taught riding at the Arastro Ranch and later on the ranch near the quarry off Los Trancos Road in Portola Valley where he also boarded horses. He assisted local veterinarians who were often in awe of his "sixth sense" when it came to horses, said family members.
He opened his home and stables to people of all ages. Anyone willing to work hard and show the necessary respect for people and animals could spend time working, riding and learning how to care for horses. For many years, any child willing to follow the rules and wear Mr. Ferguson's racing colors of turquoise and gold were welcome to join his award-winning Page Mill Riders in the annual Fourth of July parade in Redwood City.
A cement mason by trade, Mr. Ferguson talked of owning his own ranch some day. That day never came, but those who knew him and loved him were able to dream right along with him.
Mr. Ferguson is survived by seven children, Jim Ferguson Jr., Bonita Scott, Rachel Ferguson, Gloria Copas, Larry Ferguson, David Ferguson and Jennifer Foreman; nine grandchildren; and three great-granchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of Roller & Hapgood & Tinney, Palo Alto.
Helen Clark Sherwin
A homemaker, Mrs. Sherwin was a resident of San Mateo County for over 50 years. She was the widow of John Sherwin.
She is survived by her daughters, Joan Longman of Pleasanton and Helen Hill of Maryland; her five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the MidPeninsula Hospice Foundation, 65 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Funeral arrangements were by John O'Connor's Menlo Colonial Chapel.
William R. Milburn
Dr. Milburn was born in British Colombia and graduated from the University of British Colombia and the Portland Oregon Dental School. He served in the Canadian Army during World War II.
Dr. Milburn held a private dental practice in Redwood City for over 40 years, retiring in 1989. He bred thoroughbred horses for over 20 years in Woodside and loved racing horses. His other passions included jazz music and playing golf, according to family members. Dr. Milburn was a member of the San Mateo County Dental Association and the California Thoroughbred Association.
Dr. Milburn is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 49 years; his daughters Jean Weigand of Boston and Laurie Holt of Larkspur; his sons Patrick Milburn of Chico and Thomas Milburn of Redwood City; his brother Gerald Milburn of British Colombia; and seven grandchildren.
Private services are planned. Funeral arrangements were by the Neptune Society of Northern California. The family prefers that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or a favorite charity.
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