Walter L. Wilson, 65, died Dec. 30, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His graveside service was Jan. 4 at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family invites friends to share with them in a potluck memorial of Walt’s life at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at First Street and Valley Avenue.
Walt was born on March 25, 1940, to Boe and Ila Wilson of Sparta. He had spent his life working in the timber industry, either in a mill or logging. Except for a few short years, Walt lived his entire life in Baker County.
He loved the outdoors, and could tell many stories of the life he led and the people he knew. He had many talents. He could make anything out of wood with perfection. He loved country music and played in many local bands. He sang and played guitar and will long be remembered playing Saturday nights at the VFW.
Walt suffered a severe stroke in 1994, which left him paralyzed on his right side. He continued to use his woodworking shop for many years afterward, until his disability worsened and prevented him from doing so.
Thanks to his neighbors, friends and family, he was able to live in his own home until his death. He was in good spirits most of the time and loved company to tell his stories to.
Survivors include two sons, Curt, and his wife, Caroline, of Baker City and Dennis of Meridian, Idaho; five grandchildren, Michael of Fruitland, Idaho, Ashley of Baker City, and Brandon, Blaine and Antonia, all of Washington; five sisters, Claudea and Dave Myers of Baker City, Leanna and Roy McMasters of Hermiston, Marge and Jeff Waldal of Nampa, Idaho, Phyllis “Toot” of Medford and Babe and Jim Hamilton of Fort Klamath; a brother, Jerry of Medford; former brother-in-law, Wes “Huck” Stallings; sister-in-law, Ilene Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Delton.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, April 7, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor