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SANTA CRUZ -- A memorial paddle-out will be April 20 for Santa Cruz surfer Robert "Wally" Waldemar, a successful competitive surfer and friend to generations of surfers at Steamer Lane. Waldemar, 55, died Saturday, April 6, 2013 of complications of testicular cancer and chemotherapy, his family said. See Sentinel story
48 Entries
When I first met you it was just, Robbie. It was.always about the surf, the sun and your trademark ® smile. You grew up and the older guys began to notice your style. Meeting you again years later you had mellowed out and it was just about appreciation for life. RIP ROBBIE.
Roger Vandevert
May 27, 2013
"r.i.p.", robert! god bless u & your family. u will be missed!
bill parmenter
May 22, 2013
I just came upon this news in the Sentinel's online edition--I live in San Francisco now, but went to school with Wally and Diane at SCHS. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I didn't know him well--but certainly knew of him--as a terrific surfer and a nice guy with many friends. What a terrible loss--my heart goes out to all of you.
Jennifer Urbain (nee Duckett)
May 2, 2013
Much sympathy from the Santa Cruz Demos Family....
Bill & Marilyn (Demos) Fravel , Vegas
May 1, 2013
Ya Wally, and our dear friends: Spenser, Arthur Deans, Rick Noe, Raul. Gone--
Wally started coming to the Lane when he was a cantankerous thirteen, and eventually became a gentleman, a good person to know.
When that center rock pinnacle was larger, I remember wally climbing half way up it with his surf board under one arm, and screaming. I looked at as a communion with himself to Lane, yet a breaking of tradition. He was quiet for a while, but seemed to get in a groove to become a more content person. When on a short board, he had smooth moves. Then he became enraptured with Waddel sail boarding. Quite surprisingly, he then went into long boarding, and liked to switch stance and cheater five it. Either off shore winds, ruffled surface, or on shore winds Wally was there. Wally is a part of us, and I am happy to have known him.
Mitch
Mitchell
April 28, 2013
The Westside has lost a beam of sunshine, I will forever miss your smile and your kindness. I will think of you each time I jog by where you used to hang on Westcliff and feel your spirit when I look into the ocean. Rest well, Wally.
April 21, 2013
Always a smile every time I saw him, parked at his spot. So many memories of surfing with him at the Slot, Mitchell's, Stockton or NB's. Even with the bros out in the old days, Walt the Salt was always sharing waves with his friends. No matter how many times I wanted to get my boards polished, Walt would always do it for free. We always had a great relationship, always friendly, always kind, just like it should be every day - with all of us. I'll miss him. So sorry to have missed the paddle out and the sharing of the stories. Walt was a cornerstone of Westside aloha. RIP brother.
Tom Armstrong
April 20, 2013
Its seems like just yesterday I spoke with you Wally , Ill never forget you.........Thank you for your encouraging words.........K.M.
Kevin MacArgel
April 20, 2013
Shaka Walt!!!
Dano Suess
April 20, 2013
Carm and I remember how funny (rye) your sense of humor was. Your smile was a mile wide too. Sea you again my friend, Boots and Carm McGhee
April 20, 2013
Robert Wally Walt , Man we (I) are going to miss you! Like a missing part- or a hole in our hearts, home will be just a little harder to find. My hope is that at least a little of you rubbed off on some of the younger groms you influenced- as to what it really means to be a West Cliff Santa Cruz local- you were the embodiment--- In the moment,loving and living and breathing ocean and surf- hospitable,intelligent,feisty funny and caring.Like Aloha in Hawaii- that's what needs to be protected and remembered.But I already know I,ll hear your voice pulling up to the Lane on a crappy rainy winter day, or looking up on the cliff and seeing you there with your camera, or watching you effortlessly glide by from the slot with that mischievous smile......thanks! It lives on.......
Jim Braverman
April 20, 2013
Ric Larsen
April 19, 2013
Ric Larsen
April 19, 2013
Ric Larsen
April 19, 2013
I always smile when I think of you. You were part of our family for a time, now you're in our hearts forever.
Nancy Abbey
April 19, 2013
Aloha my good friend . We had a good time back in the 70s. You are classic and a legend you will be missed. Loved hanging with you when I came to the cold water classic every year. God bless
The Larsen 'Ohana
Ric Larsen
April 19, 2013
"Wally", A Santa Cruz Legend.Robert we
will Miss You! Wally's Quick Wit and One Liner's,along with his ability to come up with a Nickname for someone,was
Second to None!I will always have a vision of you "Tilt Footing" at Stockton Ave.The Old Green Volvo with
the Crooked Tire,Driving to Carmel In
that Rig,Glad we Made it Back.Thanks for Being a friend,say Hi to Rita for
us,RIP. Bud
Bud Miler
April 19, 2013
Robert - hearing the news brought me back to memories of first praying for you, right there by your spot at the Lane, on the bike path, way back in 1995? I appreciate you as a friend and fellow waterman. Ke Akua Ho'omaika'i Oe = God bless you, brah. See you in Paradise. Aloha
Calvin Hom
April 16, 2013
Love and Light to all who love Wally. Many Blessings.Thanks for inspiring me on charging the surf.
Kim Hamrock -"DW"
April 16, 2013
Wally was always an inspiration to me and a complete gentleman. My world will miss him. I can see his smile buried in his hoodie as we speak.
Dennis Judson
April 12, 2013
The first word who comes to my mind when I think of Wally is "kindness". Always so nice to our family. Thinking of you Diane and family.
Renee Coletta
April 12, 2013
Sure will miss waiting on him. RIP my dear friend
Stephanie
April 11, 2013
I always felt guilty taking 'your' parking spot. Always open to a quick and easy comment filled with love and truth. I look at an empty space on the rocks down the stairs at the Lane. You told me about the chemo' coming up again. We prayed, you said 'thanks' Every wave has your presence; being at one with the wave. See ya later Bro
russ holcomb
April 11, 2013
Wally,
Until we see you again, your warmth will always linger at the Lane.
Cheers
Patrick Brady
April 11, 2013
Valt, Thanks for taking care of me and Muzz at the Lane when we were sleeping in the dirt during the WSA 3A contests circa 1970. Your kindness sprouted a 43 year friendship that lasted the test of time. You will be sorely missed especially during the Holidays when I would come up and visit... Godspeed Salty Valt!
Kirk Murray
April 11, 2013
Wally I will always have a special place in my heart for you. You will be missed.
Heather Dufau
April 11, 2013
Robert, my love, hugs, thoughts and prayers are with you.. Rest in Paradise sweet Wally
Donna Herbert
April 11, 2013
Walt you lived life to it's fullest. What a great waterman and human being you were. Say hello to Loco and have fun catching waves with God. You will be missed in the line up.
Kelly Sorensen
April 11, 2013
Wally the man you will always be remembered as the man at V-Land the days we had at Rocky Point and all our days in Hawaii and of course the cruz. Thanks for being Wally it was a pleasure to have been your friend. Aloha Oi my Bruddah Bill Yeo
April 11, 2013
So sad I wish him peace. Best wishes to the family.
Steve Shapiro
April 10, 2013
I gave wally a big hug the day before he began chemo. and told him I would pray for him. He was always nice to me the last 24 years at the lane, despite the fact that I am a bodyboarder. Back in the 90's he during a bud pro tour, some contestent from socal, during a free surf, tried to run over me. Wally told him that we don't do things like that here. I will never forget him: a great surfer and great man.
pete pappas
April 10, 2013
After a nearly 30 year friend ship you will be deeply missed. It will not be the same without you in the lineup, so many winter waves shared. R.I.P. my friend
Gunnar (Ricky) Schweitzer
April 10, 2013
Thanks Walt, for teaching me just by laughing at me. Not a more stately surfer to be found, at the Lane or anywhere else.
Jon Bailiff
April 10, 2013
We mourn the loss of not only a true surfing legend, but also a real Santa Cruz local. He was a generous, loving soul who would do anything for a friend. Athough it was cut short, he lived a life rich in happiness, friends and family. I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful lifelong friend.
Steve Colton
April 10, 2013
You were a huge presence/mentor in my life. Will miss you friend.
Matt Buttrey
April 10, 2013
wally was an inspiration to us kids coming up on the west side surfing. He was a good guy with surfing always on his mind. I was not around Santa Cruz in my adult years but my memory of him as a grom endures to this day. Rest easy my old friend
April 10, 2013
the legend
annemarie mierkey
April 10, 2013
Robert Michael waldemar
I will smile..always~
annemarie mierkey
April 10, 2013
Your smile and charm ill forever be with us her at the O'Neill Downtown Shop. So many classic moments with you. You turned me on to classic rock and let me see life thru another generation. Live like walt, rest in peace my brother.
elfin saffer
April 10, 2013
I have great memories of growing up with Robert(Wally. wouldn't see him for months at a time, but when we did run into each other he'd always hug me and say "Love you my Brother". He will be greatly missed RIP Wally!Love you my Brother!
Bruce Gardner
April 10, 2013
Wally you will be always remembered as a legend at the Lane. We will miss you! Rest in peace!
Maria Prendes
April 10, 2013
Most elegant stylist in the water - minimum energy expenditure - always in the right place at the right time. The Lane will never see his like again. Rest in peace water brother.
Doug Springs
April 10, 2013
Every time I pass Wally's spot, I'll think of him and miss seeing his car parked there and seeing him styling on a wave at the Lane. RIP
Douglass Weymouth
April 10, 2013
We had some good times in the water ! Surf on bro ! You will be miss! but you will alway be in our hearts ! Free from your pain free to surf on ! We were blessed to know you and surf with you thanks for the good times my heart go out to your family and friends !!!! Wally thanks for being in our lives and being good friend to all and sharing your good heart and smile
Robbie Castro
April 10, 2013
Love you Walt. TY for all the good times and good advice. Your were and always will be a LEGEND. Aloha my friend.
Dave Schauber
April 10, 2013
One of the truly good guys, a surfing legend and a true ambassador for both the sport and Santa Cruz. You are treasured Wally. You will be in our memories forever.
Vaya con Dios, Wally.
Lars Shallberg
April 10, 2013
Douglas Deitch
April 10, 2013
my sincere condolences to the waldemar family...wally was a great water guy and will be definitely miss in the line up
eddie fontaine
April 10, 2013
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