Obituary: Maes, Walter A.
Age 92
He died in Spokane on January 10, 2014.
Walt grew up in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle where he attended St. George’s School and where he met his future wife, Barbara June Bloomer, in the fourth grade.
He graduated from Cleveland High where he was part of the Acapella choir.
He served in the Coast Guard in WWII, most notably as a machinists mate on the USS General Black.
He returned home after the war to marry Barbara June on August 31, 1946, celebrating 67 years of marriage this past year.
He worked at Boeing as well as at his father’s and Uncle Jules’ “saloon”, the Jules Maes Tavern, in Georgetown, one of Seattle’s oldest establishments.
He then worked for Garrett and Shafer Engineering Co., followed by a long career with Palmer G Lewis, retiring as a branch manager in Spokane.
He and Barbara enjoyed skiing and dancing.
He also enjoyed hunting, salmon fishing, spending time at the ocean, tending his garden, woodworking and especially being at home with his family.
Walt would say his wife was most important and his Catholic faith sustained him throughout.
He was the beloved father of Madelyn Railing (Dennis), Danny Maes, Joanne Wissink, DeeDee Maes and Larry Maes (Julianne).
His greatest joys included his ‘lady’ Barbara, his children, and seven grandchildren: Joseph Wissink, Lauren Huckaba, Patrick Railing, Lindsay Steinbach, Marie Railing, Krista and Ashley Maes.
He is also survived by his sisters Mildred Driscoll, Yvonne O’Brien and Elaine Maes.
He was preceded in death by his brother Remi Maes, and sister Marie Maes.
A Memorial Vigil will be held Wednesday, January 15th, at 7:00 pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E Rockwood Blvd.
Spokane.
A celebration of his life will be held this spring in Seattle.