Walter Harban Shipe

Lifelong Sigma Chi

Walter Harban Shipe, 87, died at his home in Crownsville MD on Saturday March 2 after a brief illness. He leaves to cherish his memory Varina Richard Shipe, his loving wife of 64 years, devoted daughters Linda Leasor (Gary), Virginia Cameron, and Janis Brown (Reuben), adoring grandchildren Scott Cameron (Lauren), Andrew Cameron (Lauren), Christopher Leasor (Erica), and Katie Leasor, and great-grandchildren Anna Cameron, Colton Cameron and Baby Girl Leasor. He also leaves his faithful dog and pal, Trooper. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Elise Wilson Shipe, a brother in infancy, Frank Shipe Jr., and his beloved brother John Kelso Shipe. He also leaves his brother’s widow, Bess Paterson Shipe, and their three daughters and their families.

A native of Washington DC, he was raised in Chevy Chase and graduated from Woodrow Wilson Senior High School in 1943. He then joined the 31st Bomber Barons Squadron of the 13th US Army Air Force, serving his country in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After his military service, he graduated from Gettysburg College where he began his lifelong membership in his beloved Sigma Chi Fraternity. He married his cherished wife in 1948 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, and they began their family life together. In 1949 he joined his father and brother at AC&R Insulation Company, the family business started by his father in 1907. Along with his brother and daughter, he helped guide the business to its 100th year anniversary, sharing his extensive knowledge of the business and industry to the next two generations of his family. He formally retired from AC&R in 2009 at age 84 with the business now firmly in the hands of the daughter he so lovingly mentored.

A true gentleman, honest and humble with a twinkle in his eyes, Mr. Shipe is fondly remembered for his love of family, friends, pets, music, Ocean City, MD, and bodysurfing. He was an avid supporter of local sports teams including the Washington Redskins and area universities. At his death, he held the longest membership in Columbia Country Club, a gift from his parents upon his college graduation.

Services will be held at Gawler’s Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, DC 20016, on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Please check the Gawler’s website for information.

The family would like to thank the compassionate nursing aides without whose help we could not have fulfilled his wishes to remain at home during his illness.

There will be a reception held directly following the service at the Columbia Country Club 7900 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, Maryland. Driving directions from Gawler's to Columbia Country Club are as follow : Proceed North on Wisconsin Ave. for 0.3 Miles where you would turn right on Western Ave. Proceed 0.6 Miles and enter the roundabout and take the 4th exit onto Connecticut Ave. and go 1.6 Miles. Make a U-turn at Dunlop St. heading back on Connecticut Ave. for .10 Mile arriving at 7900 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD.