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Courtenay, Walter L.
Vestal: Walter L. Courtenay, 86, of Vestal, NY, passed peacefully on January 1, 2014. He was born April 28, 1927. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha (Cooke) Courtenay in 2007. He leaves to cherish his wit and memories: Cindy Thompson and her husband Ron of Webster, NY, Jim and DeDe Courtenay of Carlsbad, CA, Tom and Brenda Courtenay of York, PA. Walter also leaves four adored grandchildren: Kyle Thompson, Kate Thompson, Hannah Courtenay, and Delaney Courtenay. His big brother, John Courtenay of Lufkin, TX, also survives. Walter will also be remembered by a wonderful friend, Deanna France of Endicott. Walter was born in Peconic, NY. He was raised on the North Fork of Long Island by his parents John and Mary Courtenay. Walter graduated from Canton Tech on the GI bill. It was there that he met Martha "Cookie" Cooke, a cheerleader for the basketball team. Walter lettered in baseball, basketball and track while at Canton. His nickname "Flip" was earned by his uncanny yet effective basketball shooting. 'Flip" and "Cookie" were married in 1950. He worked for GE for 33 years as a drafting designer until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe. Walter served honorably in the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Mascoma during WWII. He was proud to be in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the Japanese surrender. He returned to serve during the Korean Conflict and was stationed on Guam. He was an avid Yankee fan. Baseball was his passion. He was very active in the community, especially in Vestal Youth baseball. Walter played semi-pro baseball on Long Island and was recruited for the professional Mexican League, which was also signing major league stars in an attempt to compete with Major League Baseball after WWII. Walter will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Many will miss his important weather updates and strong opinions about the Yankees. Weather permitting (which he would appreciate), there will be a celebration of Walter's life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 3505 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850. The family asks that reminiscences and stories be shared afterward in the church lounge during lunch. Walter always thought flowers were frivolous. Instead, he asked that a donation be made in his memory to the Calvary United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Association.
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5 Entries
Shared this with John during a visit to lufkin. Great to see Walt's picture and the obituary. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Carol Courtenay
February 13, 2014
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your dad. Seeing him and your mom throughout most of my lifetime was one of the pleasures I had in growing up with all of you as neighbors, friends and classmates. Your dad always stopped to talk with me whenever we'd see each other walking "around the block," or from the front porch. I miss those days and I will miss him as I miss your mom. They were very nice, warm-hearted people who cared about all the kids, their neighborhood, and their community! God bless you.
Mary Beth Pelshaw-Blakeley
January 22, 2014
Dear Courtenay's
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. We sure have good memories of our old neighborhood!! He was a funny guy and we always loved seeing he and your mom in their picture window waving as we walked by! We are thinking of you with love.
Donna McCarthy
January 8, 2014
I worked with Walter for so many yrs
at GE . He was a great friend and
a worker. He'll be missed.
Love Anne Holic
Anne Holic
January 7, 2014
We were across the street neighbors for 25 year. What a fine family the Courtenay's were. We loved them. Dave & Jerry
David & Jerry Greene
January 7, 2014
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