Walter Andrew Bostater

There was always one more day... until the time came when there wasn't. You can have all the chances in the world to say "goodbye" and seek some solace for yourself. But the truth is... there's never going to be a "goodbye" good enough to fill that piece of your heart they'll take with them when they go. We have your memories, and we'll do our best to fill that void by keeping them alive and bright as we learn to live in a world without you.

Our Dad was born in Flint Michigan during the depression. He told us stories of bread loaves that cost 10 cents, or a copy of the newspaper for 5 cents. Not having enough food to eat and or being able to afford a new pair of shoes He joined the Navy young and fought in the Vietnam War and the Korean War. After active duty he went into civil services, retiring with a combined tenure of 55 years. Our Dad lived and breathed for the Red, White & Blue. He was proud to be an American, he was proud to have served his country and he was proud when he drove my mother up the wall everyday blasting Fox News because he couldn't find his hearing aids. There weren't many sailor stories ... except a few of playing cards on the ship or exploring different countries with his fellow seaman. (You survived two wars, yet I'm honestly baffled at how you survived the shenanigans you did in your civilian life.) It's probably why you always said "I love you, be careful" instead of 'goodbye' whenever we left the house…

You were an honorable and honest man. Beside the fact that you cheated at every game you ever played. He always won, at everything. Tetris, ping pong, Pinochle, War, marbles and canasta. Now I'm sure your all thinking 'oh, he wouldn't cheat at every game! ‘.. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Every. Single. Game...as Kadence learned at a very young age... Go Fish was added to his plethora of cheating antics. He always played to win; I'll give him that. But no one really cared...because he was always present, never cheating us from his attention. I can still hear Kadence's baby voice saying, "Papa will you play with me" and he would stop whatever he was doing and do whatever she wanted.

He never missed an opportunity to show off his granddaughters, and to see the way his eyes would light up when he knew Rylee and Danica were visiting soon was such a priceless site to see. When he gained 2 grandsons, he never skipped a beat and treated them as if they'd been around since the beginning. When we were younger, I remember how excited he would get watching his oldest grandkids open their Christmas presents. And how proud he was when he learned his 1st born grandson joined the Navy. When he gained a daughter in law and a son in law, he immediately loved them like his own. He always asked about Carlos and respected how hard he worked and the sacrifices he made to provide for our family. He had such a special bond with Lori, I think he really admired her and truly respected her role as a military wife, understanding that she too serves her country, without the medals or honorable mention. Dad had this innate ability to make people feel welcome, to have special individual relationships with all of us, yet never making anyone feel loved more than the other. With one exception, our mother. There was no denying that he loved her the most. Oh, and he had no problem telling us that. She was the most important person in his life. The rest of us could kick rocks if we riled her up or acted like little hooligans. "Don't upset your mother." He would tell us. "But Dad!" - "I don't care! Do as your told! That's the end of it."

We got pretty lucky that you wanted to be our dad. You definitely didn't have to be. Already having two sons of your own, (may they rest in peace), you chose to be a father to Mike, Darrin and myself; and we proudly carried your last name. You taught us to be tough and to hold our ground, even if sometimes we'd be wrong. You taught us that humility had to be experienced, failure had to be felt, because those moments would make us stronger and life isn't meant to be easy. As we grew older, we would learn to truly appreciate the good things and how incredibly special our times together were. You taught us how to work hard, how to take care of our families and how to sacrifice to be able to provide for our own children everything we possibly can. There isn't a doubt in my mind that you left this world wondering if your grandchildren, kids and wife will be ok. We got you Dad, you taught us well, we'll take it from here. We love you, be careful.

~Karolyn

Our lives changed for the better when you chose to be our Father. You chose to make it work, the second time, with Mom. You did not have to adopt us, we were not your responsibility but, you chose to. I had no idea back then that, that one seemingly simple gesture would help me define you and myself later in my life. That gesture showed me that I could live my life two different ways, I could run away from my responsibilities and make them someone else’s headache (I did not know then, but having two daughters of my own, I can only imagine the headache that Karolyn was), or I could play the cards that were dealt me, regardless of the perceived outcome at the time. You were the first person to show me “what right looks like”, even though I did not know or appreciate it at the time.

You also taught me how much the tip of your index finger into my sternum hurts more than a wooden spoon or a belt across my ass, sure we made more noises when Mom corrected our errant ways, but she was no match for that finger in the chest.

I know that I did not say it enough to you while you were busy raising us, but I love you, Dad. I failed to realize it while I was in the moment, but you were teaching me to be the best person that I knew how to be because that was what you were doing every day. You were the best Father that any person could ask to adopt them, thank you for being you, and for being there for us when we needed you.

With all of our Love

-Darrin, Lori, Rylee, and Danica Bostater

Bud was, in every sense of the word, a sailor.

He was my hero and the main reason I joined the Navy.

I can recall every time he came home on leave. I remember the tears in Mom's eyes, the twinkle in Dad's eyes and the joy in my heart.

Didn't know the depth of the man until I got out of the Navy and was able to spend more time with him playing pinochle and fishing.

Truly amazing and I am missing him dearly.

Fair winds and following seas brother.

~ Ozzie Osborn

Bud was my brother, my friend and my double pinochle partner. We spent more hours than I care to contemplate trying to out play and outsmart our favorite rivals, Ozzie and Nicki, in the best two out of three matches. We would talk, and laugh, and grouse. We were so well matched that our win/loss ratio

was probably 50/50. I can’t see a deck of pinochle cards without thinking about the games we played and the fun we had.

~ Patricia Osborn

I will always remember his strong handshake and big hugs. Evan as an adult he would crush my hand and just about rip my arm off pulling me in for a hug. He showed me you didn't need to be big to be strong. I love you Uncle Bud.

~ Bill Osborn

Grandpa Walter was one of the men who inspired me to serve my country, he played such an instrumental role in my life in some of the decisions I made throughout it. He helped me out in rough situation and always showed us such happy moments funny moments with his kindness and jovial nature. you'll forever be someone that has provided me enlightenment and inspiration to do all I can to make my life better. I will forever miss you but you will always be a guiding light alongside my mother and father, a strong light so that I will always stay the course and excel in my path. Forever your grandson.

~ Walter “Bobby” Bostater

One of my most treasured memories are Christmas nights. Sitting around the tree opening gifts and laughing. The BBQs and pool days in the summer before the inground pool. Watching the Padres lose. Sitting at the dining room table taking about life and memories. how he would "huh?" you because you would never know if his hearing aids were off or if he was just trying to be funny!

You will be missed Grandpa! I love you!

~ Elizabeth “EJ” Bostater

Walter Andrew Bostater, age 91, of Lakeside, California passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Walter was born September 18, 1929 in Flint, MI.

Walter is survived by his spouse, Glenda BOSTATER; his son Michael Bostater; his son Darrin Bostater (Lori Ann Bostater); and his daughter Karolyn Mercado (Carlos Mercado); his brother Jack Bostater (Barbara Bostater) and his brother Warren Osborn (Patricia Osborn).

7 grandchildren, Walter R. Bostater, Elizabeth Bostater, Kadence Hefty, Rylee Bostater, Danica Bostater, Anthony Mercado & Gabriel Mercado

A graveside service for Walter will be held Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5759 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Bostater family.