Walter 'Wally' Matthew Ramsey, 42

Walter "Wally" Matthew Ramsey, 42, beloved husband, father and friend, died on Aug. 18, 2010, in Farragut State Park. Born to Hazel and Callie Ramsey in Sagle on Feb. 1, 1968, Walter spent most of his life in Coeur d'Alene.

He was a loving and gentle soul that made friends everywhere he went. He spent many years in both nursing and restaurant management, until finally retiring due to his heart condition in 2007. He loved his years of retirement, and kept himself busy raising his beloved sons, bowling the Saturday Night Express league at Sunset Bowl with his friends, camp hosting every summer at Farragut and Heyburn State Parks, singing Karaoke with Jay and Jake, and generally loving life!

He realized a lifelong dream this spring by visiting Scotland and Paris with his wife and some great friends. He loved his family, his friends, traveling, camping, music (especially the band Black Happy), bowling and hanging out with Otto at the Rockin' Robin.

He left us way too soon, but we take comfort in knowing that he was having a great summer and had a peaceful passing in his sleep while camping.

Walter is survived by his wife of 16 years, Lisa; his daughter, Elliny; his sons, David and Kyle; his in-laws, Don and Barbara Davis, and John Davis; his sister, Penny Watkins; his sister, Alison Hartnet; his brother, Morgan Ramsey and their families; his best friends Kelly and Brian Leighton, and their children, Stacie and Christopher; and a gazillion friends whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Callie and Hazel Ramsey; and his brother, Mark.

A funeral service for Walter will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene. There will be a gathering in the church hall to follow. Please visit Walter's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.