Ron Walter

Published 8:08 am Thursday, January 22, 2015

Ron Walter

June 11, 1950 – Jan 15, 2015

Ron Walter died peacefully at home in Wallowa County Oregon, surrounded by his family, January 15, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gail, and their daughter, Danielle Boven of Auckland, New Zealand.

His death saddens many in far-flung communities, for Ron, Gail, and Danielle were modern nomads. They lived for extended periods of time and established close friendships in Stirling City, California; Girdwood, Alaska; and Joseph, Oregon. Danielle’s move to New Zealand extended the Walter family far into the southern ocean where Danielle and her family – husband Rick, sons Jules and Anton, and daughter Natalia – live.

He was born on June 11, 1950. in Hollywood, Calif. A graduate of Chico State University, Ron and family moved to Girdwood, Alaska where he extended his studies and trained as a surveyor. In addition, Ron spent several winters driving snowcats at Alyeska Resort.

He and Gail then moved to Joseph, Oregon, where they established Wallowa Associates, a land surveying firm in Wallowa County. Ron fostered a practice of excellence, based on application of the latest technologies. He infused this excellence into the staff that he mentored, and always exhibited the strong moral values and professional ethics that were his essence. His active mind, quick wit, and energy kept all those about him smiling and pushing the job forward. As a result, the services of Wallowa Associates were highly sought after throughout the Western U.S and will continue, to honor Ron’s legacy.

Ron and Gail enjoyed their life on the Divide, east of Joseph, Oregon in the home they built together. They were also regular visitors to New Zealand, and to communities of friends and family throughout the west.