Walter left us unexpectedly at the age of 68, on the morning of Aug. 14.
He was born in Port Townsend on Nov. 2, 1953, to Charles Walter and Patricia Margret (Small) Guthrie. Walter graduated from Port Townsend High School in 1972. Joining the Army soon after. He spent his tour of duty at Fort Belvoir, Virginia before returning to the Port Townsend area to live out his life. He worked for small trucking companies, before going to work for and later retiring from Port Townsend Paper Mill.
Walter was an avid outdoorsman his whole life. Having grown up with six brothers (five of whom are hunters) and a father who hunted as well. Walter continued hunting, hiking, fishing, and searching for edible mushrooms to the end of his life. Walter had a great love for animals. One very seldom ran across him without a dog in his truck or at his feet. On the morning of Walters' death, he was found in his favorite chair with his three dogs at his side. As if he had fallen asleep thinking of his next mushroom hunt with a couple of friends. Walter was a great believer in Bigfoot and often went in search of signs that it existed. We aren't sure if he ever found it. But we do know he always made it home safe.
Walter, we miss you. We miss your kind heart. The kindness you showed the little kids in the family; the way you looked out for your younger siblings. The times you spent looking after the nieces and nephews. The way you stepped forward and helped support your younger sisters when they needed you. You have impacted so many of us. Your lifelong friends and their families. The stories we all could tell.
Walter was survived by sisters, Susan Poe, Patricia Daniels (Rick), Lana Lindsey, Tina Holeman, Linda Dechant (Leon), Christy Weber, Molly Deen, Shelly Brown, and Peggy Ryan; bBrothers Charlie Guthrie (Donna), Willy Guthrie, Joe Guthrie and Paul Guthrie (Kitty); many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and his precious pups Little Buddy, Rosco and Feather. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Patricia Guthrie and eldest brother Donnie.
Walter's wishes were to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Edis Hook, Port Angeles, Washington. Family and friends will be saying our goodbyes to Walter at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at Edis Hook. For those wishing to attend, please be there before 1 p.m. at the large parking area on the left side of Edis Hook, one mile from the paper mill.
Thank you, Frank, and family for helping with Walter's wishes. Thank you, Ernie, for alerting our family and being there.
