Walter Highberg

Walter was born in Spokane to Walter Elmer and Kathryn Mary (Treffry) Highberg. Walt spent his early years in McGrath, AK. His parents were with the National Weather Service, stationed in Alaska to provide weather information during WWII. In 1955 they returned to the family property on Orchard Prairie, near Spokane, Washington.

Walt attended Rogers High School, graduating in 1957. There he met his future wife, Marilyn Chrisman. Together they attended Whitman College, in Walla Walla, graduating in 1961. After their son's birth in 1966 they moved back to Spokane, settling on Orchard Prairie. He worked alongside his father, growing cherries, peaches, apricots and wheat, all while teaching, completing a business degree at Gonzaga, and welcoming a daughter who was born in 1973. Much of his career was as a systems analyst for several businesses. In addition to being members of the Spokane Mountaineers Club, Walt and Marilyn spent summers at Priest and Coeur d'Alene lakes. They were also avid cross-country and downhill skiers. After retiring in 2000, Walt continued farming, serving as a volunteer fire captain and EMT, with Spokane County Fire District 9 alongside his father and son. He was a private pilot, lover of trivia, music, books, and basset hounds.

Walt is survived by Marilyn, his son Erik (Lauren), daughter Karin, and 5 grandchildren (Allie, Zachary, Hanna, Hannah and Clay). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society. Deepest thanks to Hospice House of Spokane. A private memorial will be held in the spring.