Walter "Walt" D. Green, 92 of Traverse City, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at home.

Walt was born in Mackinaw City and raised in Detroit before coming to Traverse City. He honorably served in the Navy from 1942-1945 on the USS Montpelier. Often, he told stories to his kids and grandkids about how lucky he was to make it home from the war in the Pacific.

Walt married the love of his life Ruby Lorraine Bushaw on April 3, 1947 at St. Francis Church. Walt and Ruby enjoyed many years bowling together on two separate leagues. They also enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Lake Leelanau with family and friends.

After selling the Leelanau cottage they bought a cottage on Crawford Lake. Walt spent many years sailing, boating and fishing on those lakes. His other passion was hunting on his 80 acre Solan Swamp property.

In 1986 he set the record for a Non Typical Buck in Leelanau County with a 23 pointer. He built a log cabin in the swamp next to the creek where he spent many nights there with family and friends waiting for opening day. Walt could also be found playing the links on area golf courses.

Pops will be missed for sure by his family.

Surviving Pops are his children; Walt (Joy) Green of Traverse City; Sue (Dave) Smith of Toronto, Canada; Mark Green of Traverse City; grandkids, Sarah Green, Kyle (Katie) Green, Lauren Green, Leslie (Brandon) Kelenski, Sean Green, Jeff and Andy Wichern and many great grandkids.

Pops was preceded in death by his father Walter Green, mother Pearl (Dick) Ferris, wife Ruby in 2004, brothers, Marvin and Larry, and his sister Beverly.

Walt's wishes were to have cremation take place. There will be a gathering in the summer with family and friends. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Food Pantry at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St. Traverse City, MI.