Wally Lentz 77 of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Monday May 18, 2015.
Wally was born February 23, 1938 the son of John and Mary Lentz in Sedro Woolley, WA.
Wally is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Jennifer Lentz, Oak Harbor, Kathy (Bill) McKenzie, Snohomish; grandchildren, Shawn Lentz, Melia and Quade McKenzie; sister, Beverly of Sedro Woolley and former wife Lynda Beaton.
Wally graduated from Sedro Woolley HS in 1956. He continued on to the University of Washington where he graduated in 1960. That same year he met and married Lynda Richardson, and together they had two daughters, Jennifer and Kathy.
He went on to join the family business “Lentz Farm Supply” in Sedro Woolly with his father John. He was a distributor for DuPont Explosives and was instrumental in building the North Cascades Highway.
As a family we had many boating adventures in the San Juan’s and lower BC with our extended boating friends – “Remember Manana”.
Wally was an active Rotarian and was a member for more than 50 years, receiving the Paul Harris Award three times. Through Rotary we had the pleasure of hosting two exchange students, Jenny from Australia, and Hanni from Finland.
After selling the business in 1984 he took to the road for many adventures in his beloved “Roadbum”.
He worked a variety of jobs until his retirement.
He met Linda 18 years ago and together they moved to Albuquerque NM in 2005. They were married August 29, 2010.
While in New Mexico he continued his love of travel and was able join a band, again, playing the trombone.
He loved the “Dawgs”, and his dogs Panda and Snicklefritz.
A celebration of Wally’s life will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at ‘The Farmhouse Inn’ near La Conner. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rotary International.
Wally and Linda were next door neighbors to my childhood best friend in Sedro Woolley. We visited them regularly (would’ve been from around 1999 to 2002) and developed a close bond. Wally and Linda felt like grandparents to me, and I know my friend felt the same. I had a very troubled childhood and having a place to go where the hard candies, stories, and listening ears were never in short supply meant more than they could ever know. I don’t know if they ever even knew the impact they had on me, but having that safe, comforting, loving home to retreat to meant more than words could ever express. Rest in paradise, Wally. I’m so sorry I missed your service by many years. I wish I’d known, I would’ve stopped everything to have been there. I hope Linda is doing well, wherever life has taken her. All my love and more.
Kathy and I came to visit you yesterday for your 81st birthday. It was cold and you were covered in snow. We did our traditional toast!!! Miss you everyday. Love you❤❤
You have been on my mind. Memories are forever!!! I will always treasure our father/daughter relationship. . .Love you forever
I spent your birthday with you. . . .a beautiful, sunny, blue sky day it was. It was really windy, so your balloons ended up flying away. Purple, gold and red–some of your favorite colors. You have been in heaven a little over 10 months, I miss your smiling face and our conversations. Love you forever. xoxoxoxoxox
I miss your smiling face. Your marker is in place and it is beautiful. I’m so glad you are home in Sedro Woolley, right next door to your parents and across the street from Gunnar. XOXO
You will be missed forever. Your celebration party on Sunday was wonderful, many old friends with lots of stories. Every time I hear my wind chimes, I will think of you. You were a wonderful Dad to Kathy and I and a sweet grandpa to Shawn, Melia and Quade. Love you, Jen xoxo
I just want to express my sincere sympathy to my uncle Wally and send condolences to his kids and wife. My brother Gunnar Martin and I were only 18 months apart and we grew up together in Georgia and Palm beach Florida and we loved our uncle Wally dearly. He was a special man who was wise and kind and he was my mothers only brother who she loved very much. In addition, Edie Martin and Denise Van Zandt will also miss their uncle and he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Uncle Wally was a very nice man, and my Grandama Bev misses him dearly. Wish we could have spent more time together.
Dear Uncle Wally, I am sad that the world lost you but heaven gained a very special angel. I remember the last time I saw you was at my dad’s funeral and at the casino and the special words you told me. Now you are with not only my dad- Gunnar Martin but also with nana and bumpa your parents. Nana Beverly Lentz-smiley sends you her love also. My condolences to your kids and wife Linda who you loved very much. Now you’re in heaven in peace and until we meet again I love you and God bless.
Thinking of you and remembering all the good times we had throughout all the years. You were a great friend and will be missed.
Dear Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I use to enjoy the many conversations that Wally and I would have when I would be down at the farm with his Mother. He had the greatest since of humor and could make me laugh my head off! God Bless each and ever one of you. Heaven just received another great person.
We will miss Wally, his sense of humor, giving spirit and crazy stories. We are so thankful that we took the time over the last few years to spend some time with Linda and Wally in Albuquerque during our winter travels. You were suppose to be visiting us this week but understand there were other plans for you. RIP dear Wally and our condolenses go our to Linda, Jennifer, Kathy and your extended family. The hole you have left will be difficult to heal.
Wally will be missed in my life. We were very close dear friends. A no more loyal, loving, concerned and dedicated friend could one have in a lifetime than Wally. I carry with me the memories of the many wonderful times we had together both sharing our good times and troubled times in our lives through the many years of our relationship.
Thank you for sharing your life with me the past 18 years. I will miss you tremendously, but we will see each other again! My love always…..your wife.
I met Wally while visiting my relatives in Sedro-Woolley when I was in high school in Oregon. He became my very good friend and would visit us in Oregon. We had some wonderful times together. That smile that he always had on his face was priceless. If you became his friend you were one lucky person. Rest in peace my dear friend. One day we will all be together again and we can continue our great times together as friends. I am thinking of and praying for you dear family.