Walter Roy Seifried Jr., a retired U.S. Army veteran and resident of Guemes Island, passed away on May 16, 2024 at the age of 73 surrounded by his loving family. Walt, as he was best known to friends, was born May 20, 1950 in Queens, New York to Walter Sr. and Norma (Daab) Seifried. He attended Port Jefferson High School (class of 1968) before joining the Army upon graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in June 1972. Over the course of his 39-year career, Walt was most proud of his efforts to build relationships, restore infrastructure, plan proactively, and save lives.
The U.S. Army recognized Walt with a dozen medals and commendations for honorable service. Walt often spoke about his career through humorous and exciting stories; regaling tales of valor in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, and Albania. He dedicated nearly four decades to active duty and reserve duty, and was stationed overseas and in New Jersey, Washington state, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Wherever he was stationed and whatever task he was assigned, Walt gave his all to ensure peaceful resolution in areas of conflict, sustainable forward progress, and the safety of those under his command.
While stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) in 1987, Walt was introduced to the woman who would become his wife. He met Sandra Ann Bever, known as Sandy, through mutual friends, and they married in 1989. They welcomed two children, Jennifer and Joshua. Their marriage of 34 years remained strong through various trials, as they moved many times to follow his career. While not on active duty, Walt worked various civilian jobs, including as the pastor of a church and an engineer at NASA.
Walt is remembered fondly for his positive outlook on life, devotion to his family, generous nature, and appreciation for art. He loved to fly, and enjoyed earning his pilot’s license. One of his greatest lifelong passions was sailing, and he spent weeks exploring the San Juan Islands by boat over the course of many years, which is how he discovered Guemes Island upon retiring from the Army in 2011. He loved music, and it was common to hear him whistling a tune or playing his violin and piano. The home he shared with Sandy is adorned with original paintings, some of which bear Walt’s artist signature. In his later years, he enjoyed the habit of delivering homemade cheesecake to the Guemes Island Ferry crew, and would even send Sandy over to the ferry terminal to deliver a plate when he became too ill to make the journey himself.
Active all his life, Walt’s diagnosis of a lung disease in late 2017 led to a decline in physical aptitude that eventually affected his daily life. He determined to enjoy as much time outdoors as he could, and could be seen walking with Sandy and their dog on the Guemes beaches long after doctors believed he would lose the ability to exercise. When walking became too difficult, Walt enjoyed days sitting around the table at home with visiting family, challenging them to games of skill and chance.
Walt loved to share a joke or two with anyone he met and utilized a great sense of humor to bring joy to difficult days. He maintained a deep appreciation for nature and travel, which he passed along to his children. Walt enjoyed developing skills through taking on projects. He designed the first home he shared with Sandy, which he built on a hill overlooking Mt. Rainier in Graham, Washington. As they moved from place to place, he left each home with improvements and updates that made him proud. His engineering and creative mind never ceased to inspire those around him. In October 2023, Walt realized a lifelong dream of becoming an author by publishing a children’s book based on a bedtime story he wrote for his own children when they were young.
Even with his full career and varied interests, Walt succeeded as a loving husband, father and devoted friend. He would always go the extra mile to help someone in need. His faith was the foundation upon which he built his life, and he devoted all his years to serving as he believed he was called to. His daily prayer through life’s trials was, “God, make it all worthwhile.”
Walt was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Jason. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sandy; children, Jennifer and Joshua; brother, Gary; and niece, Megan.
His Graveside Service with full Military Honors will be held at Tahoma, National Cemetery in Kent, Washington on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. His Celebration of Life will be held at Christ the King Church in Anacortes, on Saturday, June 29th at 12:30 p.m.
To share memories of Walter, please visit http://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/walter-seifried-jr