Obituary: Hendrix, Phd, J. Walter
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mildred, his two daughters, and his sister Ann Bryant.
Walter was reared in Asheville, North Carolina.
He received his master’s degree from Yale University in 1940, and his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1948.
During WWII, he was a professor at the University of Hawaii, where as Chairman of the Department of Plant Pathology, he taught, researched and developed various strains of fruits and vegetables that could be raised in Hawaii if cut off from the mainland due to the war.
In 1952, Walter moved his family to Pullman, Washington, accepting a position in the Department of Plant Pathology where he remained until his retirement in 1982.
Walter pioneered work in the influence of air pollutants on the agricultural industry of Washington State, initiated the first epidemiological research on stripe rust of wheat, and pioneered the development of root mist chambers.
In addition, his research produced innovative tools, such as precision instruments to measure straw strength and devices to collect rust spores.
During his career, Walter directed over 30 graduate students and developed cooperative research interests with scientists in Brazil and Argentina.
In addition to his academic pursuits Walter and Millie hosted the Hawaiian club, and their home was a respite from the rigors of academia for students from the islands where they could always count on a warm welcome, a good meal, and stimulating conversation.
In retirement Walter pursued his love of gardening and his vegetable gardens were renowned for their abundance and remarkable flavors.
Walter will be missed for his generosity, congeniality, sense of humor, and general good will towards all.