While never meeting him in person, I received several of his patients at a lower level of care. I was always impressed by the care of his patients. Prayers for his family. 

Although I only lived in Chattanooga a few years, I was lucky to count Capote as one of my friends. There are so many beautiful things about him, but one thing I’ll always take with me is that he was always on the move. Always out doing things. Capote was someone that you could call him up, and as long as he had time he was usually down to go do something fun: concerts, restaurants, kayaking, movies, hikes, get togethers, breweries, and even watching heron at the dam. Once I asked him, “How?! How do you work the hours you do, and you’re still here with us having fun?!” And he said, “I don’t want to wait for my life to start.” He had so many experiences in his 32 years. I take comfort in knowing that Capote didn’t want to miss out on anything, and if I know him then he’s with us in all that we do.  Sending my deepest condolences. 

Walter was a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, cat dad, and compassionate endearing physician. To me, he was my best friend, my brother. Walter was truly the most selfless person I know. He put everyone else above himself. 

Walter and I have been attached at the hip since we met junior year of high school in AP environmental science. His smile was infectious and he was by far the smartest kid in the class. He loved telling jokes but most of all he loved helping people. I know right now you are looking down on us who loved you so dearly as you had the biggest impact on our lives. If you’re not it’s probably because you are wrists deep in changing the oil on a ’97 jeep wrangler.

Many of you had the privilege to work with him during his journey to become an excellent surgeon where he cared so deeply for the patients he took care of. We talked every week for the last 16 years. It’s no surprise he chose the path of becoming a doctor. He was always up for a challenge. 

While he would call me right after he ex-lapped a 20 y/o GSW patient w/ an IVC injury and saved his life, I will always remember him as the kid who was great at the guitar and could go to 100 Kiss concerts and want to see them one more time. When we got our driver’s license and his love for Jeeps made him want to go off-roading even if we got stuck. He found a passion for traveling whether for fun or on mission trips with his residency. We were together every step of the way from high school to college, our gap year/med school, and finally, residency. You were always the first person I would call when I needed help and the first person when something good happened. You were the first person I texted when I got engaged and unequivocally said yes when I asked you to be by best man. 

I am happy to share any memories about Walter for the 16 years I knew him. Walter, you were loved by all. You will always be my best friend.

Walter has always been an amazing physician and friend.  He has always been someone I want on my team and I would let him operate on me or my family.  We lost a great man and a great physician.  We owe it to Walter to keep his sass, his hugs, and his optimism for every patient.  I wished we had danced more in June!  

Walter was my dear friend from middle school. I will always remember talking on the phone for hours, going to the movies in Main St., and passing notes in class. My whole family knew Walter because he was such a big part of my life. Walter was funny, friendly, and sweet. 

We reconnected after college and picked up right where we left off 10 years earlier. To this year, I would remember his birthday and he’d remember mine. Even though we hadn’t spoken in years, and even if we sometimes skip a year, he would send me a birthday text message and I would send him one. Walter will be fiercely missed and I will always cherish the memories we shared. I was blessed to have known him. 

My deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

I first met Dr. Capote when I began working as a nurse in the trauma and surgical ICUs at Erlanger. We initially bonded over our mutual love of cats, then later over travel experiences. He was passionate about medicine and was a talented teacher, particularly about critical care, and taught me many things even within the last few weeks. He welcomed students and nurses into the operating room so that we could gain better insight into our patients' conditions and therefore care for them better. His influence will extend beyond his life here with us.

Dr. Capote was a valued member of the surgery team at Erlanger. He had an easy smile and a big heart. While the loss of our friend has been felt sharply in the immediate days following his passing, it has also reminded us to love one another, be kind to one another, and look out for one another as he would for others. Although we will always miss him, may we remember the joy he brought into the lives of so many friends, coworkers, and patients and strive to infuse a few rays of that light into the lives of those we meet. Walter, may you rest in eternal joy and perfect peace. 

We knew Walter as a young man, with his contagious smile. Walter was always loved and protected by his family, and he loved them dearly. He also went in to fulfill his dreams. His soul will shine for eternity. 

I met Walter at our medical school orientation. He was the guy who saw me standing outside after we finished our first day and realized I didn't have a ride. What he didn't know was that I didn't even have a place to stay. He scooped me up, took me with him, and helped me to find a room in a motel down the block from his. He always seemed to be there when people needed him. We ended up sticking together during that week, and when we returned that fall to Puerto Rico, we became roommates and fast friends. We shared a lot in common and didn't have many resources, especially the first few months, so we leaned heavily on each other to survive. I remember sharing Burger King family meals together, and making them last several days so we wouldn't go hungry. When we finally received our financial aid, we bought an old Ford Bronco together and drove that thing all over Puerto Rico and Culebra. We rode our bicycles down what felt like every street in Bayamon, exploring our new home. We visited every beach we  could find and shared many a cold Medalla. We  studied hard, worked hard, and played hard. Of course, there were difficult times during medical school, and we helped each other get through them, but there were never difficult times in our friendship. That’s just how Walter was: fiercely loyal and able to figure out just about any problem. 

When my wife and I married, Walter had no choice but to be one of my groomsmen. He instantly made a remarkable impression on my family and friends that lasts to this day. 
 We embarked on separate journeys once we graduated medical school. Despite our busy schedules, we still managed to find time to visit each other. Even my animals got excited when Walter came into town because they knew they were about to receive some love and serious pets.   He was exactly the kind of person you never forgot and were always happy to see.

Walter, we will love you and miss you forever.







I knew Walter since his second year of residency. Shared mutual patients and often would run into him as we both walked into the hospital together early in the mornings. He was one of my go-to surgery peeps. Curious and intense is how I thought of him. Good friend and great doctor. What a sad loss!  My thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones!

Mis queridos Daguito, Mayra y Power, les mando un abrazo y un beso grandísimo de mi parte y d parte de Manina que cuidara junto con Enedina (Nina) a Walter, un hijo maravilloso y genial que se les ha ido injustamente.
Marivy, Mary, María Victoria

I will forever remember Dr. Capote. He was so sweet, kind and loving when my sister and I lost our mom in the ICU at Erlanger. He helped us understand and and stayed with us until we were okay. He was a great Doctor with an amazing bedside manner! RIP Dr. Capote.

Walter was a part of our surgery residency class. An integral part. Although often a handful, as am I… his smirk gave life to the room. 

He had thick crazy brown hair and wild brown eyes. Full of ideas and brilliance and love. Full of laughter. His soul shown through. 

He was passionate — so passionate that he would roll a tv into a patients room at night to watch a movie in hopes it would make them better and feel less alone rather than getting sleep for himself on call.  So passionate that he picked up a trauma patient on the side of the road in his own vehicle who had left against medical advice and needed to be back at the hospital for treatment. 

Dr. Walter Capote should be an example to all of us how to teach. How to love. How to stand up for what we believe in. I respected, loved and admired him. 

Mi querida hermana, Daguito y Power 

Se que no hay palabras que puedan quitarles el dolor tan grande de que Walter ya no esté aquí .  Pero se que siempre estará en nuestros corazones ♥️ 
Que Dios lo tenga en su gloria y que algún día nos podamos reunir con el 
Los quiero más de lo que imaginan y siento tanto no poder estar con ustedes en este momento 
Maricusa 

Walter welcomed me to my new school in the 7th grade.  And we were friends until the 8th grade.  We were also classmates in the 4th grade.  I ran in to him a couple of times in college and we played baseball once.  He was a true friend and I am sorry for everyone that lost him.  Rest In Peace Walter.  You are loved.

Incredibly kind. Wherever he was, he would light up the faces of those in his presence. Grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with him. Descanse en paz. 

Prayers for comfort to Walters family.I have met him at work and he was always a joy to be around,he was such a great guy.Such a great loss.

Went to Mariner High School and FSU with Walter. His dream of becoming a doctor and the strong work ethic to reach that goal were evident. His love of music and off road adventures in his Jeep were as well. It was always a pleasure to hang out with Walter as we would watch FSU or the Marlins play, study for a class, or just relax. Although it's been a few years since we last met up, it's been awesome to see him living his dream in medicine helping people. I pray for peace and comfort for his parents, his brother, and his loved ones in this difficult time. This is a profound loss and I'll always be grateful to have been friends with Walter. 

Walter was a great friend to our son and shares a special place in our hearts forever.  We send sympathy, prayers and love to his family.  A truly great loss. He was loved by so many.

I met Walter in 2015 and knew him to be a good person and a good doctor. 

Rest In Peace 

Walter,

Thank you for being humble.  I know we didn’t get to know each other very well during your time here, but you always spoke ‘with’ me, as opposed to speaking ‘to’ me.  You were never too good for anyone.

I enjoyed running into you that one time at the grocery where you asked my advice on how many packs of chicken to get to cook for the ICU staff. You had a selfless attitude and enjoyed putting others’ needs in front of your own.

You always wanted to talk with me about your Bronco (knowing that I have a few Broncos and enjoy talking about them).  You did this with intent because you knew I was unable to speak your medical lingo, and you knew it was something we could  connect on.

You will be so greatly missed, but never forgotten.  Rest easy, brother.


OBITUARY

Walter Capote

April 1, 1989 – August 5, 2021

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel and Hamilton Memorial Gardens

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