Walter J Poole

POOLE, Walter J. – age 90 Walter J. Poole was born on May 12, 1926 to Walter and Sylvia Poole in Spokane, Washington. He passed away on March 3, 2017 also in Spokane. Walt grew up in Spokane and graduated from Roger’s High School, Class of 1944. He entered into the Navy right out of high school. After the Navy, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad in Northern California, where he met the love of his life, Grace Marie Watkins. They were married on June 14th, 1947 and moved to Spokane to begin their life together. He attended Kinman Business College, started out as a bookkeeper and then became a photo-engraver for Parent Engraving Co. In the 1980s he opened his own printing business, Walt’s Graphics. He joined Spokane Masonic Lodge, No. 34 in 1954, and served as WM in 2000. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of El Katif Shriners. His love of music led to playing in the Eagles Band, Spokane Falls Community Band and El Katif Shrine Band. Walt is survived by his daughter Gail Hansen (Don); son Gene Poole (Hua); daughter-in-law Sandy Poole; five grandchildren, Jeff Poole (Ruth), Anna Poole, Tracy Hansen (Graham), Conner Poole, Wei Tao; and three great grandchildren, Madelyn, Jacob and Lucas Poole. Also survived by sister-in-law Helen Poole; brother-in-law Orvie Watkins (Phyllis); two nieces, Donna Stallings (Stewart) and Mary Ann Tole (Dave); nine nephews, Gary Poole, Frank Watkins, Martin Watkins (Norene), Phil Watkins (Linda), Bob Watkins (Stacey), Bill Watkins (Leanne), Mike Roblyer (Donna), Mark Roblyer (Jacquelne), Rex Roblyer; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Grace Poole; eldest son Larry Poole; brother Ron Poole; sister-in-law Kay Roblyer; and brother-in-law Vern Roblyer. Walt was always curious and intrigued by life and the people around him. He was excited to keep up with new technology, continued to play in the Shrine Band, and loved to get outside and ride his bicycle. He maintained an active, independent lifestyle with tenacity and the love of his family and friends. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 12, 2017, at Sunset Chapel at Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 West Wellesley Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205. In place of flowers, please donate to the Shriners Hospital of Spokane, 911 W. 5th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204.