Walter C. Shamie

I will forever have a place in my heart for Walter. RIP

I was a brash teenager who worked with Mr. Shamie and some other wonderful people in his 1965 mayoral campaign. My parents encouraged me to do so because they rightly recognized that International Village was an idea that was perhaps way ahead of its time but certainly worth a try. Later in my career as a journalist I followed on the internet his continuing engagement for Arab-American relations. It has been decades since I saw or spoke to him, but he will always remain one of the more...

Walter was my friend...my mentor. I know it may seem strange...but I knew...somehow...he had passed. His advice and care for a young lost man was merely one of his many decent qualities. He was FAR ahead of his time regarding "International Village"...a visionary project that might have saved Detroit from its decline. I have and will continue to miss his friendship...RIP Walter.

Walter,

Even though you are not here, I want to wish you a happy birthday. Today would have been your 96th celebration.

My birthday today is not the same without you to share it with me; we celebrated together for the past 11 years.

I still miss you and think of you every day.

Richard

Mr. Shamie was a friend, a mentor, a beautiful individual that cared for others before himself. His legacy will never be forgotten, he may have left us, but will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

A man once told me to think more and dream less,
He told me to think about others but never forget my test, that same man told me I couldn't see past.."see past what I asked" and at last, time tells...
That same man always knew me better at first glance, he knew I would...

Walter, Rest in peace my dear man. Thank you for your guidance and help. I'll always remember you.

Jim

Good bye, Dear Walter. I will never forget the kindness you showed me and the wisdom and guidance you imparted. You helped heal many childhood wounds and, in many ways, gave me a second chance at life.

I will light a candle for you this week at church.

Requiescat in pace.

Walter was probably one of the most interesting people I have ever met in my life.

I was stunned by how active he was at his age, and how mentally sharp he was (as a tack!). I remember sitting at his kitchen table with him and we'd argue back and forth on politics, or he'd offer me some insight on political matters I never knew of.

He was indeed a mentor to a lot of people. My path in life as a young man was not what he could comprehend, nor was it traditional to him. Still, I...