We are sad to announce the passing of Walter Jay Lines, Sr.
Walter was born in Marion, Indiana to Gilbert and Juanita Lines and was the 3rd of 6 children (Jim, Shirley, Walter, Eileen, Michael and Richard).
He hitchhiked to Seattle from California sometime in the late 60s, showing up at his sister Eileen's doorstep one evening and ended up making Seattle his home. He met his wife, Ruth, at Boeing. They wed February 7,1969 and had two children -Walter and Margaret.
After Boeing, Walter worked several years at the Plywood Mill in Ballard, then, after receiving very short notice of the mill's closure, Walter attended trade school and enjoyed a newer career as a Maintenance Technician. Before his body forced a retirement, he enjoyed serving the residents at the University House and the residents all enjoyed having Walter around.
Walter had many interests. He enjoyed traveling with his family and was able to not only visit several states in the US, but even go on trips to Russia (where his daughter taught English 1999-2001), to Italy (where his brother Jim worked in ministries several decades) and to Germany to visit his nephew David Lines and his family. He enjoyed traditional country music-with Randy Travis as his favorite singer. He was thrilled to meet Randy after a show in a meet and greet. And Walter had a great passion for horse racing. He spent many nights at Longacres when it was open; watched the horse racing network every weekend; attended several Breeders Cup World Championships with his family and made separate trips with his daughter to both Santa Anita and Del Mar to watch his favorite jockey, Mike Smith, ride.
Walter is preceded in death by both parents and several siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ruth, by his two children-Walter and Margaret, by his sister Eileen and her husband John and by several nieces and nephews.
Walter is much loved and may be gone but will always be loved and remembered fondly.
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