Walter Everett Reim

Walter Everett Reim Springfield - Walter Everett Reim, age 79, passed away peacefully at home in Springfield, Oregon, with his wife Pamela by his side, on February 21, 2023 after a short struggle with cancer.

Walter was born in Freeport, New York. After high school in California, he attended Utah State University in Logan Utah, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Economics. He later earned an MBA in Finance. He married Pamela in 1981 and they enjoyed 41 wonderful years together until his passing. He had 2 children, Darren & Jeffrey, from a previous marriage.

His first job was with Kaiser Steel working at the steel mill in Fontana CA as an Industrial Engineer. He later moved into Corporate Finance, first with Kaiser Steel, then with several utility companies. He eventually became Controller for a retirement community in Walnut Creek CA.

In 2001, Walter & Pamela semi-retired to their dream home on the McKenzie River in Leaburg OR where he spent 14 creative years remodeling their home, building furniture & cabinets in his giant workshop, growing & canning fruits & vegetables, fishing &, especially, cooking. They later built a house in Springfield. Walter continued to design & make Craftsman style furniture & many other projects for friends & family. He also began weaving & wove wonderful dishtowels by the dozens.

He & Pamela loved visiting wineries & B&Bs around the West Coast along with time spent with his sisters Chris & JoAnn & their spouses. Pam & Walter enjoyed their Alaskan & Caribbean cruises, along with trips to England & France, Indiana, and much of the East Coast. He also had a love of birds which flocked to their many feeding stations.

Walter so enjoyed visits with his grandchildren, Kirstin & Jacob of Indiana, rafting & fishing on the McKenzie, sand railing in Florence OR & touring Oregon. His great-grandchild Waylon brought him much joy as well. Walter was incredibly patient & thoughtful. He always made time to help others-- fixing things, making things, or mentoring whether it was woodworking, computers or cooking. He was an expert chef & baker, and his sourdough bread & desserts will be missed by all. He was always a supporter of local charities such as the Oregon Cancer Foundation, Springfield Library & the Vida McKenzie Community Center.

He was predeceased by his parents Herman & Evelyn Reim, his sister Christine & his son Darren. He is survived by his loving wife Pamela, son Jeffrey, sister JoAnn, grandchildren Kirstin & Jacob, great grandson Waylon, niece Jennie & his Indiana & East Coast families.

A thank you to Cascade Hospice & other caregivers who cared for him in his final days. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.