Walter G. Daniels

DANIELS, WALTApril 20, 1943 - October 20, 2009From his favorite leather chair in the home he shared with his wife of 42 years, Walt Daniels could glance around the family room at the things he loved most: photos of his wife and two daughters, sports memorabilia of all descriptions, mementos from far-flung world travel, shelves of books, and a view west across San Diego to the ocean.Walt died Tuesday morning, October 20, 2009, of injuries from an accident at Qualcomm Stadium where he worked for the San Diego Chargers. Walt loved being part of the Chargers organization, even in the losing seasons, and his uncashed paycheck for $25 from working at the 1988 Super Bowl still hangs on the wall, framed with pride and humor. His wife, Marilyn, sat behind him at Wilson Junior High and they dated during their years at Hoover High School and SDSU; they married in 1967. Their daughters Tina and Patti grew up with a dad who joked around, barbequed steaks, camped with them at the beach each summer and taught them the value of competition and achievement through hard work. Walt was extremely proud of their success and gave all the credit to their mom, although she gives much of the credit to him.A generation of high school football players was lucky to have Walt on the field refereeing and teaching new referees to imbue the game with fairness, safety and a positive spirit. He was passionate about playing Over The Line, softball and golf. Walt's competitiveness extended to playing trivia, cards and backgammon, and he proved after long winning streaks that he was also a gracious loser. As a sports collector, nothing captured Walt's attention more than baseball memorabilia. Commemorative pins and autographed baseballs sparked giddy enthusiasm. (Forgetting to load film in the camera at the Baseball Hall of Fame did not.) Despite recent disappointment in the team, Walt was a loyal Padres season ticket holder.Sometimes quiet, often funny, Walt was stubborn, proud to a fault, and had a generosity that was as unassuming as it was extravagant. The family requests donations to two organizations Walt supported: San Diego County Officials Hall of Fame, c/o Hall of Champions, 2131 Pan American Plaza, SD 92101; and San Diego Youth Football Fund, 18595 Starvation Mountain Road, Escondido, CA 92025. Marilyn, Tina and Patti are so appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from friends and family.