Walter McPherson Obituary

Walter McPherson
December 5, 1916 - January 12, 2013
Resident of San Jose
Departed to be with the Lord January 12, 2013, in Santa Rosa. Born December 5, 1916 in San Jose, he attended San Jose schools and San Jose State University, and became a celebrated home-grown success. At San Jose State Walt played varsity football, basketball and baseball. He was captain of the 1938 football team. That year he married his childhood friend and beloved sweetheart Frances Gibson, whom he had "walked to kindergarten." Immediately upon graduating, he was hired as head baseball coach. He served as a Naval officer in World War II, and at the war's end he resumed his teaching and coaching career. In 17 years as head basketball coach he had 251 victories; the 1950 team was ranked 17th in the nation. Today the SJSU basketball court bears his name. He coached golf also, and the 1948 team won the NCAA championship. He chaired the Physical Education Department. He was respected and beloved by his players and fellow coaches. He said, "The wins and losses were important, but the most important thing was the opportunity to work with so many people, and the friends we made." He remembered the names of his players long after they graduated and into his old age.
Walt had a steadfast Christian faith. He was a leading member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, and served many years on the local board of Young Life. He is appreciated for his integrity, kindness, generosity, and easy-going manner. He was grateful for his life and wrote: "In retrospect I find I have been blessed with every possible good fortune from the day I was born."
He is preceded in death by his wife Frances and his sister Doris Enman. He is succeeded by his daughter Sandra McPherson of Davis and son Bill McPherson of Rohnert Park, by grandchildren Phoebe Carlile, Amanda Lawlor, Jesse McPherson, Harmony Suess, Peter McPherson, and Molly McPherson; and eleven great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be at Oak Hill Mortuary, 300 Curtner Ave San Jose, Saturday January 19 at 1:30pm; interment immediately following. Viewing will be available that day 10:00 to 1:00.
Contributions in Walt's honor may be made to San Jose City Team, to Mount Hermon, or to a charity of your choice.

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

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter McPherson

10 Entries

Willard Patterson

January 11, 2021

Walt, you were the reigning member of the noon-time faculty badminton regulars. You game was worthy
but you reigned through your renowned social comradely. Thanks for admitting this student/senior to the play
as your example was lasting. bill Patterson

Karen Hagen

January 19, 2013

Hi to the family of Walt
My father Bob Hagen(1921-1977) played basketball for SJS 1948-1950 under coach Walt.-He went on to coach at Gilroy High from 1950=1977 until his untimely death. He always talked about his playing time at SJS.

Patti Wick

January 19, 2013

Walt was a resident at Emeritus Senior Living in Santa Rosa where my Mom has been for five years. What a gracious, gentle, and positive man he was. He always had a friendly smile and a warm hello for me and everyone else. I will truly miss him. Patti Wick

casey hamilton

January 19, 2013

Uncle Walter you will be missed all the family times and christmas eves. I am praying for family. Casey hamilton

January 18, 2013

I played freshman basketball in 1952 and the next year was on the varsity, hoping to make the travel squad (at least!) Our first game was at Cal, and I did not make the travel squad. The next day I told Walt that I might as well drop the team. He quickly talked me out of it, and explained why I was not selected. I made the rest of the travel squads for my time at SJS. He gradually worked me into games and develop as a player, to the point of being a starter as a senior,and elected captain. I'm not sure what I would have done with my life without Walt! Visited with him 4 years ago in Santa Rosa, where my wife Sandy, met him for the first time. Glad I did!!

Tom Crane 1956

January 17, 2013

There is no way I could ever thank you enough for your guidance and mentorship when I was Danny Glines' assistant from 1966-1970. You were a giant among men and your influence will be eternally felt among those who had the good fortune to walk in your shadow. Rest well Coach!
Stan Morrison

Jerry Hamilton

January 17, 2013

I transfered in to SJSU in 1949 and played FB in '51 & '52. Walt and our FB Coach, Robert Bronson were two of the most wonderful men in my life. Walt and Bob become personal friends throughout my business career as a Realtor in Santa Clara Valley. Walt was himself a fine athlete and a great coach for State. He will always be remembered and never forgotten! Peace to his family.
Jerry Hamilton.

January 16, 2013

My husband, Calvin, and I met Walt and Frances when we moved to San Jose where Calvin became an associate minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Walt and Frances were remarkable friends to our young family during the 10 years that we spent at Westminster. I remember being in their home many times. Frances even hosted a 30th birthday party for me one sunny Saturday morning. Walt was a man of unwavering integrity and care. He will be greatly missed. When my husband took a new position at a church in Fresno, Walt cornered me at a party and said, "Just promise me that you'll never become a Bulldog fan, Lindy!" Walt.....I've pretty much kept my promise!
Lindy Hoff

January 16, 2013

Walt
With your guidance and encouragement I graduated as a P.E. Major in 1960.
I applied the sound teachings of your department into a successful teaching career in The East Side Union High School District, also serving as a District Physical Education Coordinator. Throughout, your example of warmth and support guided me. Your noon-time badminton play set a standard still sought!
Bill Patterson

Ransom Bratton

January 15, 2013

Walt was the most inspirational educator I encou termed at SJSU in my 5 years there as a student 1953-1958. As a PE minor, I took many classes from Walt and served as one of his student managers for basketball for 4 years. Sitting on the bench next to Walt I marveled at his composure during the hectic moments at the end of the game and how he never berated the officials or any of his players or anyone representing the other team. I'll always remember how he and his wife took time to show two young men (Bob Chrisco and myself) from Madera around San Jose and helped us find housing. The only indication of displeasure would be when his large wing-tip shoe would slam the floor and he'd exclaim "dad gummit" in a low voice.

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