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Walter Dunlap Obituary

Walter H. Dunlap 5/12/1929 ~ 4/10/2011 Walter Hart Dunlap passed away in Tacoma, WA on April 10, 2011. Walt was born in Tacoma, WA on May 12, 1929 to Grace and Walter Dunlap. He was the younger brother of Gloria (Dunlap) McLaughlin. Walt grew up in Puyallup, WA and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1947. After graduation he met and married his wife Jean MacDonald. He had a long career and was a legend in the Tacoma construction industry. His greatest accomplishments included the construction of Tacoma's Ruston Way, the Stadium High School bowl cleanup, and being voted the City of Tacoma contractor of the year. He ended his 50-year career with the J.J. Sprague company. During his retirement he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and is survived by sons Mark (Debra) and Mitch (Karen), his sister Gloria (Mac), and three grand- daughters Aimee, Kaytrin, and Savannah. A special thanks to the staff at Allenmore Hospital, the Tacoma General Hospital Congestive Heart Failure Clinic, and the J.J. Sprague Company. A reception will be held in his honor at Burs Restaurant on Thursday, April 14 at 4pm, 6151 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Tacoma, WA 98499. Please consider donating to the Tacoma General Hospital Congestive Heart Failure Clinic.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Apr. 12 to Apr. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Jim Young

April 23, 2011

Just found out that Walt passed on. Sorry to hear that. He was a pleasure to be around. Enjoyed his presence at the golf course.

April 21, 2011

I ahd the priviledge of playing golf with Walt for many years. He was in the group ahead of our tee time at Meadowpark. Walt, Luke, Nate, and Keith, et al were always fun to play golf with. I always enjoyed Walt - I remeber when Mitch would come out also - he and I were the youngest ones out there on a Saturday morning. Walt was always smiling and telling jokes - It was the smile I will always remeber. Charles.

April 19, 2011

thanks for the memories
you will be missed
Horst G Albrecht

Aimee Dunlap-Kennedy

April 15, 2011

Thank you to everyone who came and helped us celebrate my Grandfather's amazing life yesterday. It was exactly what my Grandpa Walt would have wanted. It was nice to see everyone and finally be able to put faces to names. Your generosity and kind words have helped us so much through the past week. Love you Grandpa.

April 13, 2011

We just learned of Walt's passing and cannot express how sorry we are for your families loss. Walt worked in our family business for many years, we all learned something from Walt , as well as many inspectors in the industry. Walt would understand. Our family will continue to remember Walt , on the job and at our family parties. He was one of a kind. It was our honor to have such a knowledgeable and honest man work for our company. We all loved Walter. Happy Golfing Walt.......See you later.......... The J.J. Sprague Family

April 12, 2011

One of my greatest wishes is when I see "Big Wally" I can tell him "Mark and Mitch and their familys are healthy and happy. My condolence, he will be missed......Keith

Bud Truitt

April 12, 2011

Walter was a 52 year member of Horace Tyler Masonic Lodge in University Place. On behalf of the brothers of the lodge, I express our condolences to the family and loved ones of Walter. He will be sorely missed.
Bud Truitt, Lodge Secretary

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