Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

J.B. Tallent Funeral Service & Crematory

1937 North Sharon Amity Road

Charlotte, North Carolina

Walter Klein Obituary

Surrounded by loving family and friends, Charlotte luminary Walter J. Klein, passed away at age 95 on January 15, 2019. He is survived by children Richard Klein, Robert Klein, Katherine Thiry, and Betsy Klein, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Wife Elizabeth Goodman Klein, having passed in 2015, precedes Walter in death. Theirs was a joyful 70-year union.

Devoted to family, writing, Freemasonry, religious life, and a wide spectrum of interests and philanthropies, Walter proactively explored and infused societal vacuums. Walter will be remembered as a contributing citizen in enumerable organizations, a citizen who stepped up to the plate with infectious enthusiasm, a plan, and rolled sleeves.

Walter labored happily to sustain and elevate all aspects of his religious life. An executive committee member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and president of the Charlotte B'nai B'rith, many awards were gleaned as a result of impactful programs. He was Temple Beth El's President and long Board member. Other involvements included acting Board member of the Charlotte Jewish Foundation, The Amity Club, and Trustee of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He was a Board Director of the Hebrew Union College Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem. Numerous interfaith relationships were developed and amplified when Walter accepted the regional chair of the National Conference of Christian and Jews; one of such projects was to work with the Graham family to rescue and restore the Billy Graham historical homestead.

Associated with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Walter found time to fund and erect Charlotte monuments to honor Jewish Confederate soldiers. He also had a deep appreciation for God's designs; he loved expressing that through gardening. As founder of the Biblical Botanical Garden Society, Walter donated and cultivated property that featured plants of Biblical description and lore. A man of imagination, he designed exquisite multi-cultural interiors that embraced the outdoors and a designed a sustainability process that recycled rainwater collected on his home's roof for an indoor waterfall. He never stopped imagining the possibilities. Fascinated with genealogy, he researched and published 21 related families.

As a professional, Walter Klein founded The International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers and produced over 1000 documentary films that garnered over 300 domestic and international awards under the production company bearing his name. Last year, he was honored in Paris for his 50 years of contribution by the IQ membership that has grown into a robust international community representing media leaders, producers, writers across the globe. An award bearing his name is IQ's highest honor.

An avid historian, Walter found time to write and publish seven books, organize and steward North Carolina and South Carolina's first State Games under the auspices of the USOC. In recognition for contributions in his field, Walter was inducted in the UNC-Chapel Hill Hall of Fame. As Public Relations Director and Board member of the Mecklenburg County Boy Scout Council, Walter mirrored his wife's interest in scouting for American youth. Another Board Directorship included his love for Charlotte's rich history. He became a vested Trustee of the Mint Museum and the Charlotte Museum of History. And, it was a challenge to find someone who loved animals more; Walter became a Board Director of the Humane Society. Moreover, his country home featured dogs, cats, horses, peacocks, ducks, geese, swans...and plenty of wildlife---including wayward children--- left to their own devices on 54 acres.

Awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James Martin for his extensive contributions to North Carolina, Walter went on to research and validate North Carolinians as designers of the first Declaration of Independence written 14 months prior to the Philadelphia document. He then conceived and created the American Freedom Bell erected on Charlotte Museum of History campus.

When his remote Matthews home burned, Walter raised funds to build two volunteer fire departments. It was a home that was always open. He and wife, Elizabeth, were involved with the Charlotte Exchange Student Program, the Charlotte Symphony, and managed to endorse a long list of budding North Carolina organizations. The Kleins played host to campaigns for friends Congressman Charles Jonas, Governor Kerr Scott, Governor Terry Sanford, and Senator Fred McIntyre. The welcome mat was always out for a cultural event, a worthy cause, and an inspiring voice. An accomplished violinist, he enjoyed his work with the Charlotte Symphony.

It was Freemasonry that best embodied Walter's life perspective. Elected thirty-third-degree Inspector General Honorary Mason, Walter was honored with the Joseph Montfort Medal and the Walt Disney Service Award as well as the Order of St. John for distinguished service. Faithful friends all, his fraternity has always been present. "My great friends and brothers all," he frequently remarked.

We remember Walter Klein as an exemplary son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and loyal friend... for his unceasing compassion, civility, and great capacity to share, love and teach. Predictably involved, Walter would patiently listen to everyone with an idea, leaning in, authentically eager. When there was a pause, the inevitable words were: "How can I help?" He never failed to follow through on that offer.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 18, 2019 at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte. Interment will follow in the Hebrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elizabeth Goodman Klein Religious School Fund, Templebethel.org/giving/funds-endowments; Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Online condolences may be shared through www.tallentfuneralservice.com.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jan. 17, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Klein

Sponsored by Betsy Klein.

Not sure what to say?





I first met Walter when I was in Graduate school in Charlotte around 2005. I had read up on Freemasonry for years and had written to him via the Lodge web site. He was a very kind, humble, generous and down to earth soul. He invited me to his house and treated me out for lunch. We spoke for weeks as I had many questions and concerns about Freemasonry. Finally one day I requested him to become a Mason and he agreed to help me with the process. Over the years we kept in touch Via email, occasional phone calls as I moved out of N.C. I met him in person a few times once I moved back and most recently was back in 2017.

Walter mentioned to me how his Wife (who I had met twice) had passed away and his fall. What struck me about Walter was his strong spirit & zest to carry on and wanting to experience more out of life even in his 90's! He was so motivated, while listening to him speak I wished I had that kind of motivation/zest to move one and carry on with life even after such a tragic loss. Considering I am not even half his age! I was always motivated by his thoughts and ideas.

Walter was a very special person to me and today I see him in light. My condolences to his entire Family. I will never forget Bother Walter. I was privileged and honored to have him as my Friend/Brother.

I will miss him.

Fraternally,

Amit

Amit Chandra

April 7, 2019

Nicole Boyd

January 31, 2019

To Richard, Robert, Kathy, Betsy and the entire Klein family - my sincerest condolences for the loss of your father. Not a day goes by that I don't remember or hear myself repeating something I learned about filmmaking during my time at Walter J. Klein Company, Ltd. I can hardly watch a program without hearing Walter in my head, urging the cinematographer to get more closeups or fussing over the male actors' apparel (the cuffs are too long!) It astonishes me now how nothing seemed too ambitious for the family-run movie company in sleepy Charlotte - shooting abroad, buying a processing lab, booking big casts, building a giant cyclorama, doing historical re-enactments or futuristic sets - ambitions driven by the restless and expansive mind of the company's founder.

I am profoundly grateful to Walter, and to your family, for the opportunity to work with Fortune 100/500 companies, and to travel the country and the world shooting in film. These rich experiences have made me who I am and continue to inform the work I do.

Coming to work at Klein was also this Yankee's introduction to the South and my impressions of it were immediately broadened by the Renaissance man you had for a dad.

A big presence like Walter's undoubtedly leaves a very big void. I am sending all of you my warmest thoughts, and the hope that your memories will comfort you in the days and weeks ahead. There are many who understand what a visionary and leader your father was in the business and in North Carolina.

Terry Losardo

January 29, 2019

I was a teenager when meeting Mr. Klein in the 1950's but still remember his positive attitude and his interest in my opinion. He was a very unique and intelligent man who will be missed. My sympathy goes to his family.

Fred McIntyre Jr.,

January 23, 2019

Condolences and my deepest sympathies to the Klein family on the passing of a truly great man and a phenomenal human being. May he rest in peace. May he be basking in God's glory in Gan Eden with his spouse, Elizabeth who left this world before him. May his memory be a blessing to his entire family.

Shaul Saddick

January 23, 2019

I first heard of Walter at my first IQ Conference in 1986 and had the opportunity to correspond with him via email several years later. His messages echoed his passion for IQ. Being the recipient of the Walter Klein Award at the IQ Conference in Iceland in 2014 remains as one of the most memorable moments in my life.

Tom Locke

Acquaintance

January 21, 2019

Without knowing him personally, I am profoundly grateful to Walter Klein for launching IQ and for giving to IQ the spirit we all appreciate so much.
I hope his last moments were peaceful and that he is now in peace.
Thank you so much,

Laure COUSIN

January 21, 2019

I knew Walter through IQ, and meet him at the New Jersey conference. His bright mind, and passion for sharing the good that film and stories can do inspired us all. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Vern Oakley

January 21, 2019

I had the great pleasure of meeting Walter and Elizabeth at the Vancouver IQ conference and again at the conference in New Jersey. A truly great and inspiring man. May he rest in peace.

PAMELA DREWE

Friend

January 21, 2019

I never had the honour of meeting Walter but he touched and inspired us all at IQ each year. A symbol for inspiration and a name that will forever remind us of looking beyond ourselves.. Thank you Walter

Gautam Pandey

January 21, 2019

A legend passed away! As the son of one of the two co-founding European IQ members (Heinrich Fueter-Blanc) Walter, the founder of IQ, has been part of my life since I have been a youngster. Only at the Vancouver Conference in 1998, the last year of my presidency, I had the chance and the luck to meet Elizabeth and him in person. Unforgettable! Only a few times in my life I connected as easily with people of another generation. Both of them were right away curious about and seriously interested in me , my family and my activities. This, coming from people with their personalities, background and experience touched me deeply. From the first moment on both were open minded and warm in a really exceptional way and wanted to take part and to share! What a human gift and what a memory! Farewell, Walter - great man! PC Fueter, IQ member and former film producer, Switzerland.

P.C. Fueter

Friend

January 20, 2019

May you rest in peace Walter for you were a truly great man and will be missed by all those who knew you.
James Lingwood

James Lingwood

Friend

January 19, 2019

Dear Richard, Betsy and the rest of the Klein family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad had such a positive impact on so many and certainly left this world a better place. I have warm, happy memories of working at the Walter J. Klein Company and remember Walter as a professional with passion and energy who listened and treated people with respect.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Maureen

Maureen Donlevy Clary

January 19, 2019

I only had the opportunity to meet Mr. Klein in the 60's. He was a vibrant, outgoing, warm and wonderful human being. His presence immediately made people feel welcome. Hopefully his many influences can continue forward.

Woody Woodfin

January 18, 2019

I've know Walter a long time through IQ and had the pleasure of working with him many years ago. Most importantly, thanks for the inspiration that created IQ.

Lee Gluckman

Friend

January 18, 2019

It's hard to imagine a more full life. Yet, many years ago when this young, at the time, distant cousin/genealogist contacted him for help, he was most generous with his time and most generous in sharing his wonderful family scrolls and research. He was always encouraging - the ultimate cheerleader. It's wonderful that he had 95 years to share all that energy and good spirit. He left the world better.

Dennis Aron

January 18, 2019

When Someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasure fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time Hosea 13:14

January 18, 2019

Renée Hampton

Coworker

January 17, 2019

Renée Hampton

Coworker

January 17, 2019

Renée Hampton

Coworker

January 17, 2019

Renée Hampton

Coworker

January 17, 2019

It is with great admiration that we remember one of IQ's Founders, Walter Klein. The International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers will continue to honour Walter's continued dedication to the organisation since his vision began 53 years ago in 1966, with our highly respected IQ Walter Klein Founder's Award, awarded at our annual IQ Conference to members who inspire us. With love from IQ Members around the world. - Renée Hampton, Global Executive to the Board, on behalf of IQ, the International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers

Renée Hampton

Coworker

January 17, 2019

Filmmakers have the opportunity of making a difference. - a belief of Founding IQ Member and filmmaker Walter Klein, and the beginning of IQ, the International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers in 1966. Walters energy and focus toward making a better world, creating a stronger sense of community and encouraging others to do the same, continues to this day. It has been a pleasure to get to know Walter and his family in recent years. To imagine an organisation that still has the strength, diversity and bright future 53 years on from the day you started it, says a great deal about Walter, our Founder. Thank you Walter, as we continue to credit you for IQ. - Donna Hampton, IQ Immediate Past President / IQ President 2014-2018

Donna Hampton

Coworker

January 17, 2019

Betsy- our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May the many memories of your father provide comfort to you during this time.

-Jeff and Karen Turk

January 17, 2019

What a beautiful obituary for a great man. I have no idea how he managed to accomplish so much. I want to express our sympathy to all the family. He lived a good long life. May you all be comforted with your memories, where he will live on.

Bill and Debbie Nemitz {Goodman}

January 17, 2019

So sorry for your loss

January 17, 2019

Deepest sympathies to the entire family.

Fred Grotophorst

Fred Grotophorst

January 17, 2019

a loved one

January 17, 2019

The legend. Fond memories of watching and learning at his office (the glass desk was memorable!), and his ever piercing eyes 'listening' to anyone who was speaking with him. He was one sharp cookie. And I worked on a project with him right out of UNC, and could not have seen a better mentor at work "in the flesh" (other than my own Dad!).

How cordial he was to our son when Mason began his film career, by spending time with him one on one, passing along nuggets of wisdom, this is the way I recall Walter. Passionate about his craft, passionate about his faith, and inviting and warm to those around him.

May his memory be a blessing, and may you have an easy time over the coming days.

Eric Sklut

January 17, 2019

He was a wonderful man with a great heart and big smile. His accomplishments are amazing and so happy to have been related to him. He will be sorely missed.

John Goodman

January 17, 2019

Betsy - How well I remember your father when I visited your home so many times back in high school. Anna and I send you and your family our deepest sympathy and hope for your comfort during this time.

Anna Bergman and Scott Corzine

Scott Corzine

January 17, 2019

To you Dearest Betsy and the entire Klein Family,

It's with heartfelt pain that we learned of your Dad's passing and as such we reach out to you and your
immediate and extended family to let you know that the loss has profoundly impacted both Karen and Me.

As a brother Mason his illumination of the path that we walk on is an example for all mankind to take note.

Betsy as Karen and I, like you and your siblings share the dubious distinction of being forever more orphans
we dwell in the twilight zone of loss.

As they say in many of the languages we speak When the pinch you the hurt is felt amongst us
all May Papa take solace in knowing that we are with him in spirit.

With our most profound love to you and yours. Steven and Karen Kropp

Steven and Karen Kropp

January 17, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family today and the days ahead. Our parents go way back together and now will be together again. I have many memories growing up being around both your mother and father. Every time we ran into them it was always exciting. They made us feel so special and loved. Two very sweet people. They will be missed.

Barbara Bunker-Morrison

January 17, 2019

Expressing my deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that God is near to the brokenhearted. I pray that God will raise you up during this time. - S. Watkins (Columbia, SC)

January 17, 2019

God bless Walter. The Klein family was always connected to the Riemers throughout most of my life...fondest childhood memories of times together. Love to all! Joni Riemer Lackey

joan lackey

January 17, 2019

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Klein's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Walter Klein

Jan

18

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Temple Beth El

5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC

Funeral services provided by:

J.B. Tallent Funeral Service & Crematory

1937 North Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28205

How to support Walter's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Klein's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more