Walter Vencliffe Swanson III

Walt was a dedicated Professional Land Surveyor whose career spanned nearly four decades. He began his profession with Aaroe and Associates in Seattle (1964–1966), then worked for Ticor Title Insurance in Seattle from 1966 to 1978, and later with Triad Associates in Kirkland from 1978 until his retirement in 2002. An active member of the Land Surveyors Association of Washington (LSAW), Walt took great pride in his profession. One of the highlights of his surveying career was being part of the team that remeasured the height of Mount Rainier using global positioning technology in 1989 as part of the Washington State Centennial celebration.

Skiing was a lifelong passion. Walt served on the White Pass Ski Patrol from 1955 to 1961. He later instructed skiing for the Issaquah Ski School, later known as the International Ski School. He was a longtime member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and was honored for 50 years of ski instruction.

Walt also proudly served 22 years in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Major in 1987. In 1974, he was recognized for “Outstanding Performance” for his leadership in a USAR community service project that helped support the opening of Discovery Park in Seattle.

Fly fishing was another great devotion in Walt’s life. He joined the Washington Fly Fishing Club in 1999 and served as a trustee on its Board of Directors. He was a certified fly casting instructor through the Federation of Fly Fishers (now Fly Fishers International) and helped lead casting and fly-tying classes for many years. He later became active with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, teaching fly tying to veterans. An accomplished fly tier, Walt created many unique and beautifully crafted patterns; his extended-body mayflies were especially admired. He demonstrated his tying skills at numerous Fly Fishers International expos, sharing his artistry with fly tiers from around the world.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Ruth; his brother, Craig Mallory Swanson of Lake Oswego, Oregon; his nephew, Craig Jr. of Seattle; and his nieces, Kristen Booth of The Dalles, Oregon, and Gretchen Swanson of Seattle. He also leaves behind his grand-nephew, Will Booth, and his grand-nieces, Grace, Sally, and Helen Swanson, and Lucy Booth. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eric Brian Swanson.

An inurnment at Tahoma National Cemetery will be held on Thursday, April 16, by invitation. A Celebration of Life memorial will follow on Friday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 1717 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue.

Memorial donations may be made to the WFFC (Washington Fly Fishing Club) Foundation, which supports Project Healing Waters and other veteran projects. Donations can be mailed to WFFC Foundation, c/o Marcia Kendinger, 11033 Arroyo Beach Place S.W., Seattle, WA 98146, or given to a charity of your choice.

Walt will be remembered for his professionalism, his service to his country and community, his generosity as a teacher and mentor, and his lifelong devotion to family, friends, and the outdoors.