WALTER LAKE

Walter B. Lake, 93, passed away on January 23, 2012, in Fresno where he had been a resident since 1969. He was a Broadcast Executive and retired United State Air Force Reserve Major. He was born in Lincoln, Ne on October 4, 1918. His parents, Walter B. Lake, Sr. and Zelma Lake encouraged his early education which led to his enrollment in the University of Nebraska College of Engineering from 1937 to 1939. During this period after enlisting, Walter served as Combat Intelligence Officer in the Ninth Air Force from 1942-1946 in Welford Park, England and then to Bretigny, France in 1944. He was a graduate of the Army Staff and Command School, and the Air Force Intelligence School located in Sunnyvale, England. His Squadron was awarded The European African Middle Eastern Unit Citation with 7 battle stars. Midst the combat accolades, Walter and Dorothy Brabec were married December 24, 1947 beginning an exemplary marriage of 62 years. Dorothy passed away in 2009. The family's celebration of her life recognized the love that supported their partnership. The move to San Diego, Ca introduced Walter to San Diego State University, graduating in 1948 and The Pasadena Institute for Radio in 1950. After college, the newlyweds began pursing Walter's leadership and communication skills, becoming sales manager for Inland Broadcasting in Idaho. This experience lead him back to California where he became regional sales manager for KSDO Radio in Hollywood. Nothing succeeds like success. From the years 1953 to 1970 Walter was Executive Vice-President of the McGavren-Guild Radio Representatives, based in Hollywood. This lead him on to be President and owner of North Sacramento Valley Broadcasting, Red Bluff, California. From 1962 to 1968, Walter was a partner of KSLY Broadcasting, San Luis Obispo. His diversity of broadcast and communication experience blossomed in the formation of Lake Enterprises, functioning as its president as well as one of its consultants. Their services introduced him to KFRE-AM Radio in 1969, in Fresno, which he purchased. His management and operational skills brought him to buy KARM Radio also in Fresno in 1975. These successes broadened his introduction to the general business sector such as membership of the Board of Directors as advisor to Continental National Bank, Calli-Block and many other business associations. His membership in the National Broadcast Financial Management Association provided avenues of service to his chosen career. Mindful of the importance of communications to public service organizations, Walter served on the Board of Directors, Sierra Hospital Foundation, and the Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno. As a Life member of the American Legion Post #3 Lincoln, Nebraska; Veteran of Foreign Wars; the Sigma Chi Fraternity San Diego State University and Treasurer of Ponderosa Masonic Lodge #366; Scottish Rite of Free Masonary including Publicity Director Tehran Shrine Lodge of Fresno. Besides appreciating his communication business, golf always brought a break in his action. His 25 year membership in the Sunnyside Country Club as well as the San Joaquin and Fig Garden Country Clubs, followed by his love of hunting, fishing and history of experiences as a licensed commercial pilot and glider pilot, his recreational activities, most shared with his beloved Dorothy, testifies to living a life worthwhile.

A Memorial Service will be held at Jay Chapel in Madera, Ca., on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

Inurnment will be Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, CA.

Remembrances may be made to individually chosen charities.

To share condoences and sign the guest book, please visit www.jaychape.com