Walter Michael Goddard

Passed away February 19, 2025, at his home in Wilbur, WA. Walter was born April 16, 1956, in Boise, ID, one of nine children born to William and Kathryn. Wally cherished his boyhood memories, growing up in a large family on and around farms, where he learned the value of hard work and the joys of wide-open spaces. After school, Wally joined the US Army and served before being discharged honorably.

Wally always had an adventurous spirit. As a young adult, he backpacked around the country, working various jobs. He spent a length of time working at the Grand Canyon in maintenance at the Bright Angel Lodge. His stories from this time were legendary.

Walter met Carol Aubertin in Wilbur, WA, after helping his mother move there and deciding to stay himself. They married in 1979 in Spokane, WA, and had two daughters, Kathryn and Kristina. Wally worked for several steelwork companies, including one that took him all the way to Saudi Arabia. He told harrowing stories of traveling to work there down speeding, crowded freeways. He was also an Ironworker with Local Union #14 and later became a general contractor.

After moving Carol and the girls down to Wilbur, WA in 1992 to be near family, his contracting business flourished. He owned and operated Walleye Construction for many years. Wally was a very skilled carpenter and was known for his meticulous attention to every detail. Even his planning sketches were always so beautifully precise. In 2002, Walter and Carol bought the Alibi Spirits and Eatery in Wilbur, WA, which they still own and operate.

Wally loved music and played a mean dashboard piano, often cranking the tunes and singing at the top of his lungs wherever he was. “Dance like no one is watching” was just how he lived. He loved baseball and youth sports and spent years coaching and cheering on nieces, nephews, and his grandsons.

He was an avid freshwater and ocean fisherman and a skilled bird hunter. Days spent fishing or hunting with family or friends were some of his favorite times. He had several beloved canine companions in his lifetime, of note, good boys; Handsome, Rooster, and Harley.

Wally was a cherished friend to many. He loved people and he never met a stranger. His generosity and kind heart knew no bounds.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his two daughters, Kathryn (and Fred) Clanahan and Kristina Kuehne; and three grandsons, Auden Clanahan and Kyler & Korbin Kuehne. He is also survived by two brothers, John and David Goddard, and many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and one sister. The family is forever grateful to friends and family for helpful kindnesses big and small. With a special thank you to Scott Warrington. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date, to allow time for warmer weather and out of state family to make travel arrangements . Memorials may be made to Wheatland Little League or to the Wilbur Swimming Pool. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Goddard family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA, is caring for the family.