Walter Sterling Sayer

Walter Sterling Sayer, age 102 passed on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Othello, Wa. Walt was the eldest son of Walter and Stephanie Sayer, born in Bremerton, Washington April 2, 1922. Two younger brothers Don and Delbert soon joined the family. In time, the family moved to Peshatin, Washington living on a ranch. After graduating from Peshatin High, he went off to the University of Minnesota training to be a pilot, there he met Vera Siegel. They fell in love and married 29 Jan 1944, after a whirlwind romance of 2 months, he proposed on New Year's Eve while the fireworks were going off. He was a test pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he worked for various aviation companies, even working as a bush pilot in Alaska, also working at Zellerbach Paper Company, McNary Dam, Hanford, Granger Clay Products and finally Del Monte Corporation. He liked to refer to himself as a "Jack of all trades, master of none."
He played trumpet in a jazz band and enjoyed dancing with his dear wife Vera.
This loving marriage brought into it two daughters, Sue Ann and Cindy. None of his jobs were more important than his family. Through his work ethic and devotion his family thrived. They lived in their home in Granger for 65 years, before they moved to Living Care Retirement Community in Yakima in 2012. Dad's loves were his Lord Jesus, his beloved wife Vera, his family, flying and fishing. He will fondly be remembered by all as a kind and humble family man.
Walt was preceded in death by his loving wife Vera in 2016, parents Walter and Stephanie, brothers Don and Delbert, and one great granddaughter, Michelle Lapierre. He is survived by his daughters Sue Ann Roberts (Curtis) of Othello, Cindy Heitstuman (David) of Spokane; grandchildren: Tami Lapierre of Yakima, Brad Roberts of Worley, Idaho; and Samantha Nevers of Spokane; great grandchildren: Joseph, Amanda, Payton, Cooper and Ellie.
Our sincere thanks to the staff at Coventry House in Othello for their loving care and support. We'd also like to thank the ER staff at Othello Community Hospital for their care in dad's final hours.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 pm. Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Zillah Cemetery.
Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home.