Walter Thomas Ahearn

Walter Thomas Ahearn COLUMBIA - Walter Thomas Ahearn, 90, longtime resident of Columbia, SC, died December 18, 2012, at Bailey Manor, Clinton, SC. He was the son of the late Patrick and Elsie Ahearn of Schenectady, NY and the husband of the late Mary (May) Baillie Ahearn. Survivors include his daughter, Susan Ahearn Mitchell and her husband, John W. Mitchell of Cross Anchor, SC, and grandsons, Kenneth and Richard. Interest in forestry led to his being a "Hot Shot" crew chief for the US Forest Service in California's Angeles National Forest. He graduated Cum Laude from Syracuse University College of Forestry in 1943 and immediately entered the Marine Corps. In WW II he served in the 1st Marine Division as a Codes and Ciphers officer with the Navajo Code Talkers in the Pacific Theatre, including Okinawa and China. He began work as a forester in South Carolina and then joined the S.C. Forestry Commission, retiring as Assistant State Forester after 36 years. He was S.C. Affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation for many years and served as a S.C. Wildlife Federation Emeritus Board member. His many honors include recognitions from the USDA, SC Water Resources Commission, American Society of Foresters, and Alpha Zi Sigma. He received The Conservation Award from the Woodmen of the World, the Golden Cross Award from Bailey Manor for outstanding service in the US Marine Corps, the Distinguished Service Award from the Appalachian Society of American Foresters, Forest Conservationist of the Year (State Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Sears-Roebuck Foundation) and the Society of American Foresters Certificate of Appreciation. He was awarded the first F. Bartow Culp award from the SC Wildlife Federation for Distinguished Service. He was "Ranger Parks" on a weekly state-wide radio teaching program, writing and providing lesson plans. This was a forerunner of SC ETV-Radio educational programs. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Bailey Manor Chapel Sunday, December 23, at 2:00 p.m. A special thanks goes to his wonderful caregivers during his stay at Bailey Manor. His wealth of knowledge and gentle nature will be remembered by those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the S.C. Wildlife Federation or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com. Gray Funeral Home of Clinton