Walter Eugene Van De Grift, age 72, passed away Friday, January 12, 2007 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley, WA. He was born November 5, 1934 in Ellensburg, WA, the son of Walter S. and Valerie Lois Adams Van De Grift.
Walt grew up in Eastern Lewis County until moving with his family in 1946 to Concrete where he graduated from Concrete High School in 1952. He attended St. Martins College in Olympia for two years and then returned to Skagit Valley and drove truck for his father’s logging company. A year later Walt got his first truck and began W.E. Van De Grift Trucking. For many years, Walt owned and operated a number of shake and shingle mills throughout Washington and Oregon, as well as one in Idaho. Following his retirement from the shake and shingle industry Walt occasionally worked for his brother Bruce’s company.
As well as being an enthusiast of music, especially jazz and blue grass, Walter also enjoyed playing the banjo, guitar, and drums, in addition to numerous other instruments. He also loved weight lifting, the outdoors, hunting, motorcycles, and football. He was an avid nutritionist, an insightful entrepreneur, a loyal friend, a caring brother, a loving father, a man with great wisdom and knowledge of God’s word, and a devoted follower of Christ.
He is survived by his twelve children; Catherine Van De Grift of Orville, WA, Solin Ramon and her husband Frank of Clovis, CA, Karlyn Zambrotta and her husband John of Parump, NV, Valerie Allen and her husband Bret of San Jose, CA, Jim Van De Grift and his wife Judy of Olympia, Maggie Summers and her husband Jeff of Florissant, CO, David Van De Grift of Mount Vernon, Matthew Van De Grift of Burlington, Michael Van De Grift and his wife Amy of Sedro-Woolley, John Van De Grift of Mount Vernon, Jamie Van De Grift of Sedro-Woolley and Jeff Van De Grift of Sedro-Woolley; A brother, Rodney Van De Grift and his wife Maria of Burlington. He had 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Mark and Bruce.
Many thanks to the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley for their loving care and kindness during his stay there as well as everyone who visited and prayed for him during his illness. The family suggests memorials to Bethel Church at 805 Township, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, February 3, 2007, 11:00AM at Bethel Assembly of God Church, 805 Township St., Sedro-Woolley 98284, with Rev. Bret Allen and Mike Osborne officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.