Walter Henry Wingell Jr.

"You fought the hard fight, now it is time to rest" Our hearts were filled with sadness as we said goodbye to one of the greatest men every known. Walt left this earth and began his journey to heaven on November 20, 2010, after a 101/2 year battle with cancer. Walt was the most amazing Husband, Dad, Papa and Friend. Throughout his illness, Walt showed amazing strength, courage, and grace, never once complaining. He was truly an inspiration to all those who knew him. Walt was born in San Francisco, CA on November 29, 1942 to the late Walter Wingell, Sr. and Marian Maddock Wingell. He grew up in Fresno before joining the Army at 17 to serve our country. He married the love of his life, Pat on February 16, 1963 in Redondo Beach, CA and began his 38 year career with Pacific Bell that same year. Walt and Pat made their home in Torrance, where their daughter Tricia was born, before moving to Sebastopol in 1981. Despite his illness Walt lived life to the fullest. He and Pat loved to hit the road in their motor home, traveling with friends to Lake Oroville, Casini Ranch, Bodega Bay and Arizona. They shared many laughs and fond memories at the racetrack watching their mule, Hollywood. Walt loved his role as the Support Team Leader for the Gold Ridge Fire Department. He could always be counted on to get the job done, no matter what time the pager went off. Gold Ridge was his second family and he was so happy and proud when his son-in-law Darrin joined the department. Walt's greatest joy in life was his three grandchildren, Emily, Daniel and Jake. He was their #1 fan, rarely missing a soccer, football, basketball, softball or baseball game. Walt is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Pat of Sebastopol, CA; his daughter Tricia, son-in-law Darrin and his three precious grandchildren, Emily, Daniel and Jake DeCarli of Petaluma, CA. He is also survived by his brother Kerry Wingell and his partner Rob Berquist of Reston, VA; Jacqui Foppiano, who he thought of as his second daughter; and many loving nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for Walt throughout his fight. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to nurses Krista and Linda of Palm Drive Hospital, who are true angels. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park, 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. Memorial contributions may be made to Gold Ridge Fire Protection District, 4500 Hessel Rd., Sebastopol Ca 95472 or the American Cancer Society-Relay For Life; Dr. Brett's team c/o Mena 652 Petaluma Ave. St. #B, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Arrangements under the direction of: PLEASANT HILLS MORTUARY, (707) 823-5042