Lee Allan Walton

My father, Roy Hoch, used to swim with him and scuba dive! My dad remembers Lee supporting a guy in a wheelchair and Lee always modified his speed to stay with him.
Thank you from Roy Hoch.
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So sorry to hear the news of Lee's passing. His advice and mentoring has benefitted me for many years.
Lee's constructive coaching sprinkled with sardonic wit inspired me during my few years at SJSU from 1979-1982. He was my swim and basic SCUBA instructor, and he asked me to assist in his basic classes until the next advanced course where during a pool test to hover between surface and bottom, I juggled 3 golf balls to pass the time while watching a tall, lean man with arms folded, shake his head at me. After, he looked up at me (I'm 6'6") and said, "What am I going to do with you..." I loved that class. He led us to so many Saturday adventures along the coast. I met Susan briefly at the house one early morning before carpooling with Lee to the coast.
I've lost my advanced diver card but still remember (I think) the back with his signature showing he was NAUI Instructor #14.
He shared his knowledge openly knowing the hidden life lessons could benefit someone. Like a story from Truk Lagoon. Near the end of a long free dive, he stopped his ascent to watch munitions fall off the hoist. He didn't know how much longer that dive was but calmly understated the danger by saying, "You can hold your breath a very long time if you are focused on something else."
Well he figured out what to do with me and guided me to a commercial diving school which put me on a great career path that I can only credit to him.
He sincerely supported students' efforts using a style that benefitted each...he was an inspiring teacher to all.

What I wish to share about Lee was his kind spirit and friendship to the support staff at SJSU's Department of Kinesiology. The abalone trips, shucking & preparations of the catch of the day. Lunches at his home in the summer and "cherry spitting contests from the deck. Lee's overall Community involvement and support of Morgan Hill's Mushroom Mardi Gras and dedication, love for his wife , Susan, children, parents and his extended family. A gentle soul and true Spartan model. Hail! Spartan Lee Walton! You will be missed.