Morgan Harry Johnson (91) passed away on March 16th at his home in Madera. Morgan was born at the Dearborn Sanitarium in Madera on April 30, 1931, to parents Harry and Nora Johnson and was raised in the Ripperdan area. Morgan attended Ripperdan Elementary and Madera High School, graduating in 1949.
Morgan then attended Stanford University and Fresno State. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years and returned to Madera to help his dad, Harry, in the family raisin vineyard, before returning to graduate from Stanford. Morgan then branched out independently, ultimately developing La Vina Ranch into a table grape vineyard and cherry orchard. One of the most satisfying things about farming for him was converting open ground to vineyards and orchards that produced good crops year after year. He held in high regard the many hard-working families and individuals who helped fulfill both his vision of the ranch and, later, that of his son-in-law, Mark Ibrahim.
Morgan served the community on the boards of Sun-Maid, The Madera County Housing Authority, The Madera Unified School District, The Federal Land Bank of Madera, and The Madera County Grand Jury. His favorite thing was fishing with his friends, especially his brother Bob. He also enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, traveling with family and friends, and tasting different wines!
He leaves his wife, Sue, son Ron, and his two daughters, Cindy (Jon Moore) and Karrie (Bobby Besuner), and grandchildren Natasha Ibrahim, Jason Ibrahim (Eleni James-Becton), Katie Ibrahim (Richard Martinez III), Sabrina Ibrahim, Rudy Besuner, sister Chris Rogers and sister-in-law, Jan Johnson. Morgan was preceded in death by parents Nora and Harry and brother Bob. Heartfelt thanks to all his caregivers, including Vikkie Nava, Lila Rivera, Mary Ellen Sanchez, Maria Inez Urena, and Hinds Hospice. Cremation is under the direction of the Neptune Society.
A memorial gathering will be held at the Madera Golf and Country Club Saturday, April 29, from 2-4 p.m., a day before his 92nd birthday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hinds Hospice or your favorite charity.
