Daniel Paul Walling

Daniel Paul Walling "Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling" Daniel Paul Walling, 82, was born May 25, 1925 in Eden, Idaho and passed away on Memorial Day May 28, 2007 in Boise, Idaho at the Marquis Care at Shaw Mountain. He was the eldest of three children born to James and Agnes Walling. Dan enlisted in the Navy Oct. 18, 1943 and was honorably discharged Dec. 2, 1945. He served with the 33rd (Special) Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) that was involved in the invasion of Leyte Gulf; also know as MacArthur's Return, the retake of the Philippines. The 33rd was deployed on Samar Island with the arduous task of building and maintaining airfields. Soon after VJ Day, he was assigned to a ship carrying surplus materials to Shanghai, China. Dan was the recipient of many campaign ribbons and medals. After the war, Dan met the love of his life, Patricia Christine (Chris) Shea. They married June 25, 1950 at St. Paul's Church in Nampa, Idaho. From this union they were blessed with their only child, Molly. Dan was employed by the Union Pacific Rail Road and later, upon incurring a job related injury, formed a painting partnership. After the partnership dissolved, he continued contracting until retirement. One of Dan's interests was target practice using several different caliber pistols. He enjoyed taking his daughter and later the grandchildren to shoot, always stressing gun safety. He enjoyed family picnics, dancing, and blues music. He played mouth harp, harmonica, banjo and collected old time classics from the early 1920's on. Dan was a member of the Brotherhood of the Rail Road Union, a past member of the B.P.O.E, and attended the Church of God Seventh Day. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Molly O'Shea, Mr. Gilbert Gursansky, grandson Dr. Michael Trimming, granddaughter, Ms. Sarah Trimming and granddaughter, Ms. Tovah Trimming; brother Howard and spouse Mary Walling of Nampa and their children, grandchildren and spouses; Stephen and Matthew Walling; Mark and Susan Tracy, Courtney, Steven, Steward, Kelsey and spouse Courtenay Bernier and baby Julien James; Kevin and Toni Walling, Ty, Torri, Thea and spouse Josh Rakes. Dan was preceded in death by his wife Chris of 46 years, and sister Dorothy. Dan's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the outstanding care from the Boise Veteran's Medical Center Dr. Falk, Dr. McPeak, Ritakay, Dr. Branahl; Auditory Marty and Bonnie; Business Office Vicky; Regional Office Scott and David; exceptional care from the Emergency Ward team; and to all of the doctors, nurses, staff , volunteers and administration who provide such excellent care for our veterans, thank you for your professional and moral support and dedication; attending physician Dr. Friedman, Marshal; medical and health care providers Dr.Tweeten, Dr. Keller and staff; special thanks to family friends for their love and support Susan, Cheryl, Matt and Sharon, Ian, Jeanine and Jim; Pastor Larry Childers and Congregation for their perseverance and prayers; the Angels from St. Luke's Hospice who worked miracles for two years LeAnne, DeAnna, Wayne, Rivereyes, Natalie, Kennette, Michelle and Bart; and for the extraordinary care and compassion of four years with the Marquis Care at Shaw Mountain Administrator Joe; Department Managers Marji, Steven, Katherine, Janice, Sunny, Linda, Gloria, Ron, Danny, Anna, Daphne, Brandy, Crystal, April, Heidi, Linda, Mary Ellen; Licensed Nurses Bonnie, Susan, Shannon, Kathy, Julie, Shirley, Tami, Rebecca, Dany, Kimberly, Maurice, Patty, Carole, Kelli, Salome, Ione; Day Shift Mary, Hannah, LisaMarie, April, Vanitee, Traci; Evening Shift Angie, Laura, Jennifer, Katie, Jim, Nichole; Night Shift Matlyda, Gayla, Mary, Teresa; House Keeping Sarah, Tiffany, Stark, Tiffany, Sarah; Dietary Rose, Aimee Connie, Desiree; RNA's Diana and Jennifer. And many thanks to all who enriched Dan's life. Dan's wake celebration will be announced at a later date.