Submitted by his sister

Being an outdoors person‚ after living in Baltimore‚ MD and Roseville‚ CA for a number of years‚ Walter moved to Trinity County‚ CA and finally felt he had found home. Walter was a member of the Lewiston‚ CA Volunteer Fire Department for about a year and a half. We were brought up in a family where community involvement was a normal part of our daily life whether it was building a new church or providing food for the homeless.

Walter continued helping others whenever he could and was proud to be part of the Lewiston Fire Dept. Although he operated a Heating and Air Conditioning business‚ he was a ‘Jack of all Trades’ and could do anything. We used to call him ‘McGuyver’. With his business‚ he would always go out of his way to help people‚ especially the elderly‚ disabled or those with children‚ get the service they needed even if they were not able to afford it.

Walt had a soft spot for our four-legged friends‚ in particular‚ Brittany’s. Mustang Sally was his best friend for thirteen years after which he adopted Dakota. Because of his good nature‚ Walt also found ‘Freebie’ at the entrance to a grocery store and she went home with him as well.

Walt always had a contagious smile‚ kind words and handshake for everyone. It was in Lewiston he finally met his soul mate Shannon. They will meet again.

Although Walt never had children of his own‚ he loved his nephews Greg and Rob Agri as if they were his own. Greg’s wedding is coming up in August and ‘Uncle Walter’ will be a part of the ceremony.

As his only sibling‚ I miss him terribly – he was my best friend‚ but he will always be my brother. I am so very proud of the man he had become.

Walter lived life with gusto. One of his favorite sayings was: Life is short – eat dessert first!