Walter Meyer

1935 - 2025

"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset." ~Chief Crowfoot.

Walter "Wally" Huber Meyer Jr., 90, passed away on October 23, in Idaho. Son of Constance Meyer(Button) and Walter Huber Meyer, Wally was born in Oregon in 1935 and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Hopkins Boarding School where he participated in Glee Club, hockey, and football. His dad was a highly esteemed Professor of Forestry at Yale University and instilled a love and respect for nature in his son. When given the opportunity to attend Yale, Wally decided to forge his own path away from the constraints of the New England lifestyle and head out West to his birthplace, and attend Oregon State University where he earned a degree in Forestry and honored the legacy of his father. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Bend, Arizona, Seattle, and San Francisco where he met his wife, Linda.

Wally was unapologetically himself with a truly one-of-a-kind brilliance and charisma. On his first date with Linda, he wore red socks and a black suit that he thought matched because he was color blind. He fostered an appreciation for nature in Linda by explaining the geology and history of the land. He flew her in his Cessna airplane over the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset and sang to her with his beautiful, deep voice. Determined to raise his children away from the urban sprawl, he gifted his love of the Earth to his children early on, a gift that will always connect them to him. They moved to Bainbridge Island where they had their two children, a dog, a donkey, and lived down the road from the local elder, Grandma Lovegreen, whose namesake says it all. In 1973, they established roots in the then small town of Eagle, Idaho where he raised his children and remained in the same house for last 52 years.

Wally worked as a Recreational Planner for the BLM up until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman with many hobbies and talents. He was an expert white water rafting guide, a ski patrolman, and wildland firefighter. There is a stretch of rapids on the Jarbridge River, called Wally's Wallow, which was named after him due to the respect and esteem he earned from his fellow floaters. He loved fishing, camping, boating, classic cars, horseback riding, and always had at least one dog companion. He sang in the Boise Master Chorale for several years. He developed a passion for and became an expert about the Oregon Trail by participating in research, documentation, and mapping of the trail system and he shared his knowledge as a tour guide.

As the town and land around his home became more encroached upon and developed, Wally became increasingly disheartened with the state of the world. In a soft rebellion grounded in his truth and values, he found solitude and sanctuary in his "castle" surrounded by nature, wildlife, and his dog companions. He was steadfastly independent, rugged, capable, thrifty, and diligent. He spent his time caretaking the land and tackling small projects. He loved a challenge and kept himself engaged in problem solving tasks.

He was tenacious, introspective, and a divergent thinker with an astute memory and sense of unwavering resolve. His mind was strong and his wit was sharp, and with a twinkle in his eye, he delighted in saying things that lit up a room. He held a curiosity, connection, and sense of awe for the mysterious worlds beyond the senses of extraterrestrial beings and Yeti. He had a mischievous curiosity and moments of unmistakable tenderness. He was a man with a deep sense of personal responsibility, who prioritized taking care of his family, ensuring they were supported, loved, and secure, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion that will never be forgotten.

During his lifetime, Wally formed meaningful connections with his neighbors and his community. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation for their love and care and for passing along the touching stories and memories of their dear friend.

The path Wally chose to walk in life touched the hearts and influenced those who knew him in simple and profound ways. He lived, loved, and cared with a stubborn humility unique to himself. He was always true to himself and inspired us all to live in ways that would make him proud. None of us would be who we are without him. His personal legend lives on through us, as part of the natural rhythms of the universe, and in the world beyond the senses. What was Wally's life? It is the river water pouring around the boulders to create a dynamic rapid.

It is said that before entering the sea

a river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path she has traveled,

from the peaks of the mountains,

the long winding road crossing forests and villages

And in front of her,

she sees an ocean so vast

that to enter

there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

But there is no other way.

The river cannot go back.

Nobody can go back.

To go back is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take the risk

of entering the ocean

because only then will fear disappear,

because that's where the river will know

it's not about disappearing into the ocean,

but of becoming the ocean.

~Kahlil Gibran.

Wally is survived by his former wife, Linda Massaro, his two children, Greg Meyer(Amy), Jennifer Wahpepah(Dan), his two grandchildren and their partners, Ian Meyer(Hannah) and Zhawen Wahpepah(Reed), and his dog, Stella.

Per his request, there will be no services or funeral. A private memorial will be held in the future at one of his old stomping grounds, Stanley Lake.

To honor Wally's legacy, he requested donations be made to the following.

Idaho Humane Society.

https://idahohumanesociety.org/donate/.

The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Chapter.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/idaho/.