Walter “Walt” McClain

Walter “Walt” McClain passed June 23, 2022

Walt wove his life track in an interesting way. Living with his parents in Southern California, he completed high school, earned an AA at Compton JC, joined the U.S. Navy and served as a “white hat” stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas.

With a math major and history minor he then completed his BA at Whittier College in Southern California. In 1957 he chose to re-enlist in the Navy and attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Rhode Island. Walt served on the USS Fletcher and USS Renshaw.

While at Whittier College he met his future-wife, Barbara. They were wed in November 1962, and spent their first year of marriage living at Pearl Harbor, where Walt was stationed.

Walt took advantage of the GI Bill and returned to school, where he earned his Master’s Degree and teaching credentials at USC. His career in education began by teaching mathematics and history at the high school level in Los Angeles, followed by accepting the challenge of High School Vice Principal in Gonzales, Calif. Finally, he became principal at the middle school in Blythe, Calif., where he also taught math at the community college.

Walt and Barbara retired to Post Falls in 1994. Looking for a new challenge, he attended Real Estate Agent classes at NIC. He and Barbara spent a good deal of time traveling. They especially enjoyed having the opportunity to travel with their grandkids throughout the National Parks in the western part of the U.S., in addition to the southernmost parts of Alberta, Canada.

Walt joined Rotary in the early 1970’s, becoming a charter member of the Post Falls Rotary Club after moving here. Walt had perfect attendance for 26 years, a goal he was constantly challenging others to achieve. His many years of service as a Rotarian included active participation in support of numerous projects benefiting the local community. Additionally, he focused on fund raising for international polio victims, for which he was honored to receive five 'Paul Harris Fellows.'

Walt is survived by his wife Barbara, daughters Susan and Karen, granddaughter Rebecca, and grandsons Erich and Karl. No service is planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Walt’s name may be made to “Polio Plus” c/o Post Falls Rotary, PO Box 1935, Post Falls, Idaho 83877; Hospice of North Idaho; or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to English Funeral Chapel. View Walter's online memorial at https://www.englishfuneralchapel.com/