Walter Gene Walden, 80, of Poulsbo, WA, passed away on February 24, 2018. Walter was born on December 9, 1937 in Los Angeles, CA to Louise (Kilburn) and Leroy Peffer and Walter O. Walden. A graduate of Springfield High School in Springfield, OR, Walter went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University and Olympic College, and receiving degrees in Teaching and Marine Biology. He proudly served his country in the US Marines from December 13, 1954 – September 30, 1957, and retired having earned the rank of Corporal. During his service, Walter was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Japan, and Korea. After his honorable service, Walter worked in law enforcement as a fisheries officer for 20 years. He was a Master Hunting Instructor, Law Enforcement Fire Arms Instructor, and professional upholsterer. Walter held memberships in the Poulsbo Sportsman Club, Kitsap Bow Hunters Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. In his spare time, Walter enjoyed fishing, hunting, RV camping, raising Vizsla dogs, and a life full of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
On February 2, 1980, Walter married Sandra (Olson) in Prineville, OR. During these 38 years, they enjoyed an undying love for each other. Walter is preceded in death by his parents; son, Wade Scott Walden; and grandsons, Joseph James Lanning and Jamin Ximon Weller. Walter’s memory will live on with his ring wife, Sandra; sons, Walter R. Walden (Holly), William K. Walden (Sarah), and Stephen J. Lanning (Tracey); daughters, Tamara L. Nielson (Barry), Candace M. Fisher (Mark), Christen L. Lanning-Weller, Catherine A. Lanning, and Claire Walden; brother, Lee Manchester (Donna); sister, Twila Manchester-Poe; 26 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; nephew, Dave Rash (Cathy); brother-in-law, George and Phylis Olson, Jr.; cousin, Dan Kilburn (Claudia); and hunting partners, Charlie Gisher and Bert Nuckols.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 17th at 1:00pm at The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary. Memorial donations can be made to Easter Seals Gateway Adult Services 4414 Perry Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310. An online memorial can be seen at www.poulsbomortury.com Sandy, cannot help but say to her family, friends and our community, “that she has lost the love of her life.”
