Walt was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Aberdeen, Wash. He died Feb. 13, 2006, in Bothell, Wash.

He graduated from Weatherwax High School (Aberdeen) in 1960. He furthered his education at Grays Harbor Community College, receiving his associate’s degree, and continued on to graduate from the University of Washington in 1964 with a bachelors of arts in music. In 1971 Walter was awarded his masters degree in education (music) from Central Washington University.

Walt worked for the South Bend School District as the music director for two years before moving to the Winlock School District where he also worked as the music director. There he was greatly involved in orchestrating music festivals and community band concerts. In 1973 he taught elementary and junior high band in the Lake Washington School District until retirement in 1985.

Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 37, he never let it get in the way of him enjoying life and doing the things that were important to him. He always had a positive attitude and lived life to its fullest.

He loved bowling and participated on many bowling leagues.

This past June, he and his wife, Phyllis, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by going bowling with their family.

“It was amazing to watch him bowl. Here is this man who can barely keep his balance when he’s not holding a 20 pound ball, but he shuffles up to the scratch line, basically drops the ball,” said his wife Phyllis. “The ball rolls right along the edge of the gutter the whole way down the lane and then at the last second, something about how he had dropped the ball gives it a spin and it hits the pins between the 1 and 2 pin and he gets a strike! It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. You’d almost think that he doesn’t know that he has a disabling disease. I don’t know that he ever received the league trophy for high score, but he always got the award for most inspirational.”

His love of music began when he learned to play the accordion at the age of six. He went on to play tenor sax and was first chair all through high school.

In high school he began playing in dance bands. In the 70s, he served as the choir director at the Cottage Lake Presbyterian Church for five years.

After retiring from teaching in 1985, he taught private music lessons, played in the North Seattle Community Band and then played in the Woodinville Community Band.

He spent his summers with his family, camping, hiking and beachcombing. He especially enjoyed fishing.

He attended Bible Study Fellowship for eight years.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; three children, Jonathan (Shannon) Berglund, Christina (Jeramy) Leaper, and Timothy (Kari) Berglund; and grandchildren, Taylor and Jacob Berglund, Holly, Ashley and Joshua Leaper

Memorials can be sent to the Woodinville Community Band at 16218 216th Avenue NE, Woodinville 98077.