Wally was the kind of guy you liked right from the start. I did...so much so in fact that I decided to attempt to become his son-in-law. I was successful in that effort, and at least from my perspective, it was a most fortunate outcome. Not only did I get to spend more time with Wally, I got to marry his beautiful daughter Shelley. I am truly honored to have known Wally and to be among so many celebrating his life.
Wally was, of course, a loving husband and father, one generous to a fault. He was also sharp as a tack, and had a great sense of humor. Few could tell a story or a joke better than Wally. And I consider myself very lucky to have been around to hear a good number of them over the years.
Perhaps the thing I loved most about Wally was his own abiding love of my daughter Morgan. He and Lorraine were surely the best grandparents any kid could have. Morgan felt just as much at home at their house as at ours.
They truly took her under their wings. They engaged her in dinner table discussions, both humorous and serious; they encouraged her academically, and they followed through by attending many of her school functions -- even when they occurred during the cocktail hour. Moreover, they took the time to introduce Morgan to their favorite pastime, golf, at the Alta Sierra Golf Club in Grass Valley, where she not only quickly became known to practically everyone as Wally and Lorraine's granddaughter, but also as a reasonably competent player.
So, while it seems woefully inadequate to say, I do want to say, "Thank you Wally and thank you Lorraine...for everything."