Saturday, April 5, 2014
I extend my deepest condolences to Walt's family. I hope you find comfort in the memories you have and knowing that he had a full life and until the end, was full of life.
Although I could not be there for his service today I was there in spirit.
Walt was my next door neighbor in Miami for the last 15 years. He also became my friend.
I miss him very much and will always have wonderful memories of the great conversations we engaged in on the front lawn, sidewalk or porch.
I would hear his truck as he came back from the farm. I would always be happy to hear him come home and to see him.
We would meet on the front lawn or porch and talk about his life and mine, current politics, neighborhood news and the like.
He would bring back delicious fruits and vegetables from the farm and share them with the neighbors.
I was so delighted whenever he brought the mini pineapples which were sweet and so tender you could eat through the core. The tomatoes, corn, watermelons etc. were all such wonderful gifts. Sometimes I would come home late after a long day of work and find delicious avocados on my front porch....another week sweet corn, another oranges.
I loved the gifts of produce he brought from the farm. I appreciated his thoughfulness. I loved the conversations.
Walt brought back the feelings I had growing up, living in a neighborhood where neighbors knew eachother and cared for eachother. It was special and rare.
He was so smart and had such wonderful colorful stories of his life. He came from a world so different than mine. Yet, we became friends and good neighbors.
When mango season came, I would go with him in his back yard and gather mangos. He didn't care much for the ones in his yard until they were made into moist cinnamon infused mango bread. He would take the warm loaves and fresh butter and tell me how much he enjoyed them.
He told me years ago he loved fresh baked goods, so when I baked, there was always an extra loaf, pie, cake or bisquits that I would deliver to his door. He loved the pinapple upside down cake.
A few times during casual conversation he asked me "are you baking that pineapple cake again?"
Of course this meant I was. I would pour extra butter and brown sugar glaze on his loaves because he said how much he loved it.
He was a gentleman, an extremely, intelligent, interesting, colorful and kind man and a friend I will miss forever.
A better neighbor I have never seen.
Rest in peace Walt.
Forever you will be remembered.
