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Walter Fitch Obituary

Walter Stewart Fitch of Oracle, Arizona died June 2, 2013 following a debilitating fight with operative and post-operative complications as a result of a fall in early March. Fitch was born March 6, 1926 in Chicago, IL, the son of Dr. Franklin Ransom Fitch and Anne Elizabeth Schenck Fitch. He served in the Navy in the last year of WWII in the Pacific theater. He then attended the University of Chicago where he met his wife, Nancy Joy Babcock of Riverside, California. They were married at Price, Utah in 1947 where he was working the summer as an electrician in the coal mines. He obtained a Ph.D. in astronomy under the mentorship of William W. Morgan at the U of C Yerkes Observatory in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. While working on his degree, he was hired to the faculty of the Astronomy Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, by Edwin F. Carpenter, long term director of the Steward Observatory. There he used his naval training in electronics to mechanize the 36-inch reflecting telescope. He was actively involved in the construction of new housing for the original reflecting telescope at Kitt Peak in 1962. His academic work centered on pulsating or binary stars. He retired from the University of Arizona in 1986. After his wife convinced him that one would not die of "critter" death by sleeping on the ground he became an avid backpacker and hiker. One favorite hike was up Mt. Baldy, in the Santa Rita Mountains. This peak became known to the family as "Wally's peak" as few other family members could surmount it. Nearing retirement, he and Nancy became members of the Tucson Sailing Club frequently traveling to Rocky Point to sail in the Gulf of California. He is remembered for his odd mixture of gentleness and gruffness best illustrated by a ditty written by the staff of the National Observatory of Mexico in Baja California: Si oyes en la noche un grito... No te espantes es solo el Sr. Doctor Walter Fitch. He made meticulous lists, including a detailed record of precipitation and temperature and corresponding bird and animal sightings along the National Forest boundary in Oracle for the last 26 years. Those lists are to be donated to appropriate organizations. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy; four children and their spouses, Selena Billington and Jim Dewey; Tod and Leslie Fitch; Alanah Fitch and Al Benson, and Sandra and Gene Houghton and two grandchildren, Erika and Adam Benson. A private memorial will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Tri-Community Food Bank, 108 Redwood St., Mammoth, AZ, 85618. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jun. 21, 2013.
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Dear Nancy, sons and daughters, I was very sorryu to read of Dr. Fitch's passing. I saw him frequently, though briefly, whenever I dropped by the Observatory, and probably on public nights as well. My father told m a number of times how much he admired Dr. Fitch's knowledge of electronics. Our families' close association goes back probably 60 years, and no there is no one left from the early times at Steward, when astronomical research meant one person sitting for hours in a cold dome. I was so pleased to learn of his other interests away from S.O., which overlap my own. I send condolences and very best wishes to all of you. A letter will follow. Roger Carpenter, Tucson

June 22, 2013

Dear Nancy and children,
I remember Dr. Fitch and you very well from so long ago when you were frequent visitors to our home in Tucson and when I baby-sat your small children in the 50"s!
My parents, Ed and Ethel, were very fond of you both!
I am so sorry for your loss, but how wonderful Walter was able to enjoy a long and fruitful retirement!
Best wishes,
Emily Carpenter Long

June 21, 2013

DEAR NANCY AND CHILDREN, I REMEMBER DR. FITCH SO VERY WELL, AS WELL AS HIS WIFE NANCY AND LITTLE CHILDREN I REMEMBER BABY-SITTING SO MANY YEARS AGO. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, HE WAS A GOOD PERSON. BUT HOW WONDERFUL HE GOT TO EXPERIENCE A LONG AND FRUITFUL RETIREMENT! BEST,
EMILY CARPENTER LONG, PHOENIX

June 21, 2013

So long Walter. You taught me important things about honesty and compassion when I was a naive graduate student, sharing that tiny alcove in the Steward Observatory with you a very long time ago. I am home again.

Michael Chriss

June 21, 2013

As one of my favorite professors, I visited Dr. Fitch on many occasions at his Stewart Observatory Office in 1957.
He was always friendly and congenial even if I wasn't a Astronomy student. I have thought of many time and am saddened by his passing. I am sorry for your loss.

Charlie Bliss

June 21, 2013

Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

Virginia Graham

June 21, 2013

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