Walter was born on a homestead farm in tiny Addy, Wash., where he came to love nature, animals, gardening, music, reading, poetry, tinkering and philosophy, which made him a wonderful husband, father and teacher. He knew people as animals and animals as persons. He was a master at making a point; he liked to laugh and share laughter. His wife, Ruthli, three kids, dog, two cats, sister and a few others miss him very, very much.

Walter and the animals will be grateful to anyone who, as a remembrance, makes a donation to North Beach Paws (P.O Box 962, Ocean Shores WA, 98569).