B.J. "Bucky" Walter

BJ Walter, 106, of Acme, passed away on Friday February 5 at Hope Village Senior Living Center where he had resided since October 1996. BJ was born on June 13, 1909 in Avalon, PA to C. Burt and Sadie (Forrer) Walter. They lived in PA, Ohio and for many years in the Detroit area. He attended Columbia Military Academy for his senior year of high school. He attended the University of Detroit and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1932. He married Evelyn Louise Nyquist in 1934. They lived in Detroit and Flint before moving to Grand Rapids in 1945. He worked for the RL Deppman Co. for 40 years. During those years he was active in ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. and the Grand Rapids Builders Exchange. While in GR they were members of East Congregational Church and Cascade Country Club where his favorite spot was the 19th hole for fun and fellowship. After leaving his active role in his company in 1973, they moved to Acme; after which they built a home in Traverse City. They were active members at Unity Church where they were instrumental in design and building the church on Five Mile Rd. in Traverse City. BJ is survived by his four children: Claudia (Dave) Hulbert of Santa Clara, CA; Chuck (Carol) Walter of Williamsburg, MI; Buck Walter of Bellevue, WA; and Margie McKee of Traverse City. He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Marti (Charles) LaChance; Mike (Karen) Hulbert; T.J. (Sophya) Hulbert; Mark (Lisa) Walter; Wendy Walter; Matt (Jennifer) Walter; Andy (Cintia) Walter; Spencer (Erin) McKee; and Marnie (Pete) Kuhn. Also, surviving are 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two sisters, Jeanne Walter and Ariel McMullen, brother-in-law Don McMullen; an infant sister, Leah, and an infant daughter; also daughter-in-law, Corrine Walter; son-in-law, Tiff McKee; and infant grandson, Kirk Walter. Early in January, he said “Guess what? I’m half-way to 107!” He was very proud of having lived 106 years, especially so because he beat his dad who lived to only 101 years old! There will be a private service at a later date. Memorial contributions in BJ’s name can be made to Hope Village 4354 Mt. Hope Rd. Williamsburg, MI 49690, Unity Church 3600 Five Mile Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686, or Williamsburg United Methodist Church PO Box 40, 5750 Church St. Williamsburg, MI 49690. Please share your favorite memories of BJ with his family by posting to his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

B.J. "Bucky" Walter

June 13, 1909 - February 5, 2016