Robert Arnold "Bob" WALTER

WALTER, Robert Arnold "Bob"

68, of Tampa, tragically left this world January 1, 2018, to reside in a room prepared for him in heaven.

Bob was born in Tampa March 26, 1949, to Monica (Saraw) Walter and Jim Walter, both of whom have predeceased him. He spent his high school years at Asheville School (Valedictorian 1966) and was a graduate of Yale University in 1970. Several years later, Bob returned to academia to obtain his law degree at the University of Florida in 1973.

Bob practiced law at the firm of Shackleford Farrior in Tampa for several years before establishing his own real estate development company, which allowed him to branch into numerous business partnerships and real estate investments, including two very special to him, West Palm Wines in Ybor City, Florida and Haven Golf in Green Valley, Arizona.

Bob has been described as 'the consummate intellectual with a blend of businessman, conservationist, outdoorsman, and country boy.' He was a gracious and generous philanthropist who deeply cared for the welfare of the Tampa community. However, Bob neither sought nor relished the spotlight, but rather was more comfortable behind the scenes.

Bob had a passion for music, French wines, hunting, and travel, but nothing compared to his passion for golf. Bob could be found several times a week at either Avila and Palma Ceia Country Clubs or at Golftec, attempting to improve his golf swing.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was also a loyal friend who provided wise counsel when sought. Though he was a man of few words, whatever he did say spoke volumes. His faith in Christ was sincere and rooted.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Zan Walter; by his son, Alex Walter (Melanie); by his two grandsons, Xander Walter and Wyatt Walter; and by his older brother, Jimmy Walter. They are heartbroken and miss him dearly.

A service to celebrate Bob Walter's life will be will be held at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, 1601 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629, Sunday, January 7, 2018, at 4 pm, with a reception to follow at the same location. A private viewing and burial service will be held the morning of January 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Broward Elementary School, 400 W. Osborne Avenue, Mail Route 7, Tampa, FL 33603, attn: Principal Angela Livingston 813-276-5592, a school where Bob volunteered weekly, or to Kelly Green Global, P.O. Box 949, Brandon, FL 33509, attn: Jennifer Clark 813-340-2640, an organization Bob worked through to provide water machines and living water to the needy in third world countries.