WALTER O. NIELSON

Walter Orin Nielson, 78, of Stanwood, quietly went home to be with our Lord and Savior Sun., May 24, 2009.

He was born to Carl and Grace Nielson on his sister's second birthday and was named after his uncle.

Walt grew up in the Stanwood area and graduated from Stanwood High School in 1949. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country during the Korean War. Following his military service, he went to college.

Walter married in 1955 and had four children, and his son Wally was born on his 28th birthday.

Walt made his career in serving the public. He worked for the Boeing Company on their fire department for many years; he also was a volunteer for the Stanwood Volunteer Fire Department for many years and worked with Stanwood & Community Ambulance Service. He also served as Snohomish County fire marshal for many years.

In 1976 he moved to Seattle, where he did a career change and went to work for the Seattle P.I. as a manager until he retired in 2001.

After having a stroke in 2002, he moved back to the Stanwood area and lived with his daughter Vickie. He loved Stanwood and was happy to be back with the rest of his family.

Walt loved going to the casino with his brothers, was an avid bowler, enjoyed a good game of golf, playing pinochle and doing crossword puzzles.

Walt always smiled and made friends easily. He was a loving father, grandpa and brother, and the best great-granddad a kid could have. He will be deeply missed!

Walt is survived by his daughter, Vickie, and her husband Mike Lee of Stanwood; son, Gordon Nielson, and wife Valerie of Poulsbo; grandchildren, Michelle Lee of Stanwood, Maison and Taylor Nielson of Everett, David, Jason and Josh Lee, and Sydney Thompson; great-grandchildren, Jordin, JD, Harley, Reagan and Kendall Lee; sister, Bessie Harrison of Everett; brothers, Robert Nielson of Stanwood, and Richard Nielson of Marysville; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He also leaves his beloved kitty, Joey.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and his two sons, David Orin, his first born, and Wally Nielson, Jr.

Memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Fri., June 5, in the chapel of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.

Family suggests memorials may be made to N.O.A.H. Walt had a great love for animals.

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral home, Stanwood.