Walt died April 19, 2018, in Winthrop. He was a lifelong resident of Winthrop growing up on a dairy farm where he acquired a strong work ethic that continued throughout his life. Walt jumped at Winthrop during the 1961,'63 and'64 seasons.

He worked in the Winthrop area as a millworker, ranch foremen and finished a 34-year career with the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative as a lineman and customer service representative.