Ted Walters went home to the Lord on November 5, 2022. He passed away at home fighting what he would call “old age.” The last couple of years he weakened physically but was still sharp upstairs.

Born December 20, 1939 to John and Margaret Walters in Pasadena, he was the middle child of three. Older brother Jim and younger sister Hellen. The family moved to Cutten in the mid-1940s, when there were few homes and lots of stumps to play on. His family was one of the founding families at Faith Center Church in Eureka. He grew up watching his father drive and work on logging trucks and heavy equipment. He continued that mechanical ability the rest of his life. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1958. He excelled in swimming in school and still had all his trophies on the mantel. He served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966, stationed in Japan and March Edwards Air Force Base.

In 1966 he married Joanne Munger. They moved to Ferndale in 1969 and bought the house they still live in. In 1969 their first son, David, arrived. In 1970 their second son, Jonathan, came along. Ted taught them the love of the outdoors, going camping, hunting, fishing and cutting firewood. He had an annual Idaho hunting trip. He went to the same spot in Ore Grande, Idaho for 45 years. The stories and friends that went on that trip are too many to count.

He was active as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, especially on the many camping trips, Ruth Lake summer camps, Black Lassic winter camps and many other places. He was active in Rotary Club for at least 30 years. He was one of the many cooks for the annual lobster dinner and many others.

During his Air Force service he took up photography. He built his own dark room in the back of his house. He took pictures everywhere he went. He did class reunions, weddings, birthdays and any event he could. There are thousands of pictures he has developed.

Ted worked at LP Carlotta sawmill from 1970-1977. He eventually became head sawyer and loved to tell stories about the big logs. From 1978-1979 he ran the Exxon gas station, which is now Ferndale Pizza Company. He then took a job with Francis Land and Water Company and became the manager. He worked there for 16 years until he could retire at 55 and “go play.” His so-called “playing” ended up being a job falling timber for his son, something he had always wanted to do. After a few years of that, he started running a fellerbuncher. He retired from his logging career at age 64.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Joanne Walters. He is survived by his two sons David and Jonathan. Also, David’s family including wife, Megan Walters, children Mitchell, Morgan and Putter Walters and great-grandchild Bellami Washington.

Following his request there will be no services.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ted Walters’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.