Obituary: Walter A. Welton, 64

Walter A. Welton, 64, of Veneta, Ore. died Feb. 27, 2016 at his home after a fight with heart complications and Parkinson's.

He was born in Covina, Calif. Aug. 25, 1951 to Eldean and John Welton. They moved to Elmira, Ore., and while living there, he attended and then eventually graduated from Elmira High School. He attended Lane Community College, and took up welding classes. He did marry Carolyn and had two daughters Bobbie and Dondie. In 1976, they moved to Petersburg, Alaska and explored the idea of commercial fishing. He eventually accepted a job working for PFI as a refrigerator/engineer worker. Wally and Carolyn welcomed their third daughter, Mandie, shortly thereafter. He enjoyed playing music on the side, playing drums for the Dick Greseth Band. He also worked for Petersburg Motors. He and Carolyn later divorced, and in 1986, he moved back to what he considered his hometown, Veneta. He was one of the most dedicated employees at Seneca Saw Mill for 25 years, but due to heart complications, retired early. He never remarried, but did fall in love with Alice Nichols, and his heart was content and happy for 16+ years.

Survivors include his love, Alice Nichols and her family; daughter Bobbie (Eric) and their children Shelsey, Guy, Kersten, Tristan, Koby and Rikki; daughter Dondie (Eric) and their children Lindsey, Hunter, Zachary, and Kyler; daughter Mandie (Luke) and their children Zephrie, Jaren, and Cadum; son Eric and his children Travis, Tara, Dalton, and Bryson; brothers Butch, Tim, and Tommy and their families; sister Cindy and her family and many other family members.

Wally will always be known as "the dad tinkering around in his workshop." His greatest passion was his work tools.