What is your first memory of Walter? Share a favorite memory you have of Walter. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Walter. Describe a time when Walter made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Walter? Talk about a shared experience you had with Walter. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Walter. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Walter. What is something you learned from Walter?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Walter Lloyd Haring

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Arizona State University

Walter Haring Obituary

Published by East Valley Tribune from Aug. 27 to Aug. 31, 2008.

Walter Lloyd (Walt) Haring, 53, was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas May 15, 1955, and died unexpectedly at home in Tempe, Arizona, August 23, 2008. Walt grew up in Tempe, and attended Tempe High (where he enjoyed acclaim as a stand-out All State football player) Mesa Community College, and Arizona State University. He held a great and gentle love of all animals, and began, as a child, tending to any creature fortunate enough to cross his path; a practice he continued religiously throughout his life. He was an excellent folk artist, drawing from his Mid Western heritage, augmented by time spent caring for his paternal grandfather in the small town of Latham, Kansas. Walt's humor, marked with both an affinity for the common person, and a deceptively astute intellect, was one of his most remarkable assets. He possessed also an ability to look straight to a person's core, and honor what he found there, regardless of external manifestation. Equally at ease with elderly and young, able bodied and those living with disability, he was protective of all, making himself always available as a gentle buffer from the bullies and hardships life sometimes set on the path before them. Walter is preceded in death by his father, L. Lloyd Haring, and is survived by his wife Brenda Haring and her daughter Debbie Sue Struchen, his daughter Michera Colella, (Santa Barbara, California), his mother Darlene (Traylor) Haring, and sister Melinda (Lin) Haring. A memorial celebration of his life is planned for the Fall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Walter's name to The Arizona Humane Society, which may be done online at: http://www.azhumane.org/artman2/publish/donate2/tributes.shtml All are invited and encouraged to sign and share their memories in the guest book for Walter at: Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Walter Haring's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

April 7, 2009

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Michera Colella posted to the memorial.

August 27, 2008

Cyndy Rice posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

April 7, 2009

Walt Haring was one of the most interesting, yet puzzling people I've ever known.

Since childhood, he seemed driven to show the world that he was a rough, tough character, not to be trifled with. Yet he had an intelligence and wit that always shone through, and would never fail to entertain.

I've never known a more amusing and animated storyteller. And persuasive... oh, man... if he wanted something from you, it was almost pointless to resist. He would get it, sooner or later--and would usually leave you smiling and chcukling for days, in the process.

He could keep you riveted for hours with stories of past careers, pranks, bar fights, neighborhood squabbles, chaotic binges, legal issues, football, and sexual escapades... all the while playing a pretty formidable round of chess, poker, or even shuffleboard. How many people knew that Walt was a shuffleboard ace?

Coming from most guys, many of these tales would sound like wild and egotistical bragging of the type so common these days. But Walt's casual, matter-of-fact delivery left little doubt that it was the telling, not the glory, that was important to him. I always knew that what he was saying was at least 90% true... and that any embellishments were only for the purpose of entertainment. He always had that confident air of someone with nothing to prove. I think it was his self-assurance that I admired most.

He was a hard man to know. Life had built a thick wall around his heart, and he was always wary of the intentions of others. But once you did get past that wall, he was capable of extreme loyalty, and even great kindness. I will never forget how this tough, cynical, "worldly" guy could be so emotional about the well-being of a small kitten, or a homely, unwanted dog. More than once I saw him hiding tears due to the plight of one small animal or another. He couldn't allow himself to be seen showing any such vulnerability to the world... but it was there, nonetheless. That tells me a lot about people, their attitude toward creatures who are essentially at their mercy. And it told me a lot about Walt.

I will miss his stories, his panache, his upbeat and amusing manipulations... his presence in the neighborhood, and the world. I do feel lucky to have known him, though I will always regret not knowing him better.

Rob Cole

Michera Colella

September 5, 2008

i really wanted to write something poetic and moving. But, in the end all that matters is that I love you dad. I miss you and I wish that you were here. i know you are still watching over me.

Love Always,

Your Baby Girl

Cyndy Rice

August 27, 2008

Once Loved
Forever a Friend
Cyndy

Malcolm Comeaux

August 27, 2008

I was shocked to read of the passing of Walt. Our paths had crossed several times, and I always found him a kind and generous fellow. My condolences to the family.