Obituary: Saxton, Walter Wayne
The family settled in Boise where Claude taught at Boise High School, exacting high standards from his four intelligent children.
Walter distinguished himself in his studies, graduating in October, 1944 from the University of Washington with a degree in Engineering.
He had joined the Navy before finishing his degree; upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the SeaBees.
In the three weeks before reporting for duty, he married his high school sweetheart, Anne, and shipped out in April, 1945.
After the war he returned to UW and completed graduate studies on a fellowship and went to work for the Seattle Pollution Control Commission.
During his 11 years with the PCC, Walt and Anne had five daughters.
A shifting political landscape encouraged change, and in 1962 Walt partnered with John Esvelt in Spokane to form Esvelt & Saxton.
During the next 10 years, the firm completed more than 400 projects in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana.
Walter served as Project Manager for the development of a Master Plan for the City of Spokane for the separation of storm drainage from the sanitary sewers.
The partnership dissolved in 1972, and a few years later Walter married Iris Terry of N. Vancouver, Canada.
After 10 years as a project manager and consultant to such firms as CH2M HILL, he retired to N. Vancouver, BC.
Walter had a long and distinguished career, with awards and recognitions too numerous to list.
He and Terry traveled extensively, and as Walt was an avid golfer, he played courses worldwide during his 27 years of retirement.
Walter lived until March, 2015.
He enjoyed a long and healthy life, and died peacefully at age 92 in the presence of his family.
A very special thanks to the thoughtful, caring staff at the Kiwanis Care Centre who competently and compassionately serve the families along with their residents.
Walter is survived by his wife, Terry Saxton of N. Vancouver, BC, sister Marilyn Jones of San Francisco, daughters Marilyn Palsenbarg (Rudy) of N. Vancouver, BC, Deanna Sherman (Roger), Leslie Hansen (Rick), Carole Saxton-Deane (Bruce), Janet Saxton, and Julia Simmons (Jeff), many of whom still live in the Spokane area.
Walter left eight grandchildren along with many other relatives who knew and loved him.
Walt is with his Lord Jesus, for which we are all grateful.