Walter Prentiss Williams, 70
Walter Prentiss Williams was born May 8, 1941, in Wendell. He was the youngest son of Frank (Dick) Williams and Thelma Prentiss Williams.
As a child he and his family moved to Monument, Ore. — a great place to grow up. As youngster’s Walt and his brother Chuck stayed busy harassing their sister Barb and following their dad around learning to fix most any and everything.
After high school graduation in 1959, Walt attended Columbia Basin College. In 1963, Walt joined and proudly served in the U.S. Army. In 1966 Walt and Ruth moved to the Tri Cities, Wash., area where he spent more than 30 years working for Boise Cascade and establishing lifetime friendships at the Wallula Paper Mill. Darin and Monica had the most amazing dad. Some of their favorite memories involve family camping trips, traveling to the Oregon Coast and water skiing on the Columbia River. They also appreciated their father’s wisdom and strength and most importantly his unconditional love.
After retirement, Walt and his beloved companion Mick the Border Collie were able to move back to Idaho to be near his daughter and her family. Seeing him wave from his kitchen window with an apple fritter, coffee and the morning paper brought a smile to his family. One of Walt’s dreams had been to have his own tractor — little did he know that he would be kept busy continuously moving rocks, landscaping and pushing snow around the five acres to get things just right!
Walt was a collector of antique gas engines, he also enjoyed filling his shop with “treasures” and his family and friends were amazed by his ability to be able to fix or restore just about anything. He was a man with a special personality and magnetic charisma who cherished time spent with his family and friends.
As a sports fan, Walt enjoyed watching his grandchildren play — he was also a BIG FAN of the Gonzaga Basketball Team… even getting out of his recliner to dance a jig while watching the Zags!
Walt was particularly proud of his grandson Austin’s decision to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, and his family was grateful that in January Walt was able to attend the swearing in ceremony.
On Feb. 24, 2012, Walt passed away peacefully at his home in his daughter’s arms with his beloved Micker at his side.
He is survived by his sister, Barbara McDonald and husband Ross of Livermore, Calif.; his brother, Charles (Chuck) and wife Carolyn of Rio Vista, Calif., his daughter, Monica and husband Rick, their children Elliott and Makenna; his son, Darin and wife Brandy, their children Austin, Whitney and Chaz; as well as many other loving relatives.
He was preceded in death by his, Mom and Dad; and his nephew, Ken.
Walt, you were loved dearly by many, are missed beyond words and will be forever in our hearts. A celebration of Walt’s life will take place at a later date in Monument.