Robert Leland Wall

Surrounded by loving family, on a lush summer day that he would have loved, Robert Leland Wall, Wasay Ankwat (Shining Cloud) left us to become an honored ancestor on June 8, 2022. He was a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and graced us all with the 91 years of his life

Bob was born in Binghamton New York on October 11, 1930, the youngest son of Asa Wall and Inez Coddington Wall. Growing up in the Depression, he was steeped in the values of resourcefulness, simplicity, independence, fairness, compassion and service that shaped his life. From humble origins, he was the first of his family to graduate from college and began his career at Broome Technical College where he studied electrical engineering and then took his first job at General Electric. Eager to learn more, as a young father he went to night school at Union College, while working at a garage to support his growing family. It was there he "fell in love with beauty of calculus" and embarked on his journey as an engineer. He worked at General Electric in Schenectady for 30 years before retiring to start his own engineering consulting business, for which he earned international respect- and friends around the world.

Bob was a man of many gifts; a deep intellect, artistic talents, integrity and an unbounded curiosity that made him a life-long learner, always growing and exploring. He possessed a generosity of spirit that touched everyone who knew him. Perhaps his greatest gift was his infectious love of life and his ability to connect with other people through his warm presence, genuine attention and gentle humor. He had the gift of creating homemade fun and sharing it with others, laughing 'til we cried.

He was a man who lived his values and understood that gifts are coupled to responsibilities. In return for the gift of a good community, he believed that you had to contribute to create good community- which he did. Bob shared his gifts while serving as a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout helper, softball coach, Planning Board Chair and as a respected Town Supervisor for the Town of Duanesburg. He was also a valued member of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority for more than a decade. He instilled in his family the ethic of "Leave a place better than you found it"-which he did.

Bob was a vigorous outdoorsman, hiking, paddling and introducing his kids and grandkids to the natural world. He was blessed with the long friendship of hiking buddies in whose company he became an Adirondack 46r. He shared the lessons that climbing mountains can teach you: the journey is more important than the destination, take your own path, carry what you need, share what you have, stop and look, go with friends, sing as you go and enjoy the view.

Bob enjoyed the gift of 72 years of marriage to his beloved companion, Pat Wall who passed away in February 2022. A loving and inspiring father, Bob often said that he was most proud of his four children, Michele Wall, Robin Wall, Daniel Wall and Barbara Wall who miss him beyond measure. He is survived by eight adoring grandchildren Ariele and Bailey Hanek, Linden Lane and Larkin Podsiedlik, Nathan and Erica Wall, and Ryan and Rachel Potter, who treasure their camping adventures with grandpa and by seven greatgrandchildren who were lucky enough to know him. He is also honored by his many nieces and nephews.

His favorite saying was "Proceed as the way opens". He was guided by his appreciation and gratitude for the gift of a good life and found deep satisfaction in the simplest pleasures. Think of him when you're graced with birdsong, a sparkling lake, a shining cloud.

Bob loved well and was well-loved. May we be guided by his example.

Calling hours and story sharing will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie NY 12205

Bob loved and defended wildlife, forests and wild places. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy https://www.patagonia.com/actionworks/grantees/the-nature-conservancy-adirondack-chapter/

To leave a special message for the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com.