I am an old friend of Linda and Walter and my heart breaks for Linda, Matthew, Alex, Mikaela, all his family and friends. I will always remember Walter for his easy smile, endless energy and wonderful hugs.
I am proudly guilty to have played a key co-conspirator role in the match making of Linda and Walter at UBC back in 1980… Linda had “seen” Walter around the UBC gym playing volleyball and she thought he was pretty cool. She discovered he was going to be coaching the tryouts for a UBC Intramurals women’s Volleyball team, so Linda wanted to try out. She said she wouldn’t go to the tryouts alone, so she coerced me into going and participating with her. As a hopeless, non-volleyball player, I protested as It was abundantly clear I was a total misfit among the amazing caliber of women volleyball players in attendance, particularly Linda. Linda shone, captured Walters attention, and made the team! Walter was very kind when he cut me from the tryouts, albeit a little puzzled at what I was doing there in the first place.
Walter was very shy and much to Linda’s chagrin he didn’t ask her out right after the tryouts. She was smitten. And Linda was determined, as only Linda can be, to get a date with this tall, handsome, quiet, wonderful Volleyball jock! So we created a dinner party event to be held at my apartment just so she could invite Walter. She asked him and he came! And so, the inspiring, wonderful Linda and Walter romance began and the rest is history.
They made a wonderful team. Their combined energy was second to none. They enjoyed so many incredible adventures together. I was always amazed at the places they traveled, the mountains they climbed, the trails they rode on their bikes, their abundant hikes, and how truly compatible they were. The stories they have to tell seem endless. And I know they were planning so many more. It is so unfair to have such an incredible life cut so short.
Linda, I am here for you. You are an incredibly strong person, but I can’t imagine your sorrow. I know you will carry Walter with you forever in your heart, no matter where you go, what mountain you climb, or what adventure you’re on. He will always be remembered with a smile and with admiration. I only wish I had spent more time with both of you over the years, they just disappeared so fast! It makes me happy to know you have had 40 very full, busy, active, loving, chaotic, memorable years together and that you took good care of each other. You and Walter created 3 beautiful and talented children together and his love and wonderful attributes will live on within each of them. Walter was a rare gem and he will be missed. Sending you many hugs Your pal, Rene xoxo.