Walter Ransford Rist

Walter (“Wally”) Ransford Rist, who was and remains a beloved family member and friend, passed away on May 18, 2021 in Overland Park, Kansas. He was 79 years old. Wally was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to loving parents Mary Rist (née Ransford) and Walter Rist. He majored in Mathematics at Washington University (Bachelors) and later Arizona State University (Masters). While a student in St. Louis, he met a mentor who introduced him to one of the greatest passions of his life: the Grand Canyon.

He later moved to Arizona, and along with dear friends and family, he rowed 50+ river trips, set run records with fellow enthusiasts, and reveled in the chance to introduce people to the beauty of the canyon, and the importance of its conservation. In the 1980s, Wally transitioned from river running to real estate, and met the love of his life, Twyla Rist (née Scott). Wally loved Twyla’s three daughters, and together, he and Twyla also had a daughter and a son. As he and Twyla raised their family, they instilled their love for nature and Grand Canyon conservancy within their children. While thriving as a husband and father, and in real estate development, Wally also remained committed to the conservancy cause throughout his life, serving as President of the Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association (GCPBA) and an avid supporter of the Grand Canyon Trust.

Wally was a devoted husband, a loving father, a dear friend, and an inspirational human being. His wisdom, thoughtfulness, sense of humor, and positivity are only a few of the wonderful traits that have enlightened the lives of those who knew him, and which shall never be forgotten or dimmed. Wally is survived by his wife Twyla, daughters Devonna Quinn (son-in-law Jimmy Quinn), MeLisa Nye (son-in-law Donnie Nye), Heather Weber, and Samantha Rist (son-in-law Matthew Kiep II), and son Scott Rist. He is also missed by grandchildren Ashley, Austin, Blayne, Blayre, Brayden, and Nicholas, and great-granddaughter Aurora. He is also survived by his twin sisters, Alberta Heil (brother-in-law Ron) and Charlotte Adelsperger (brother-in-law Bob), nieces Diana and Karen (husband Mark), and nephew John (wife Meghan), as well as his loving in-laws, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends-turned-family.

His family will hold a Celebration of Life for Wally on Sunday, June 27th, 2021 at The Venue at Leawood, from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. For his beloved friends out West, there will be another Celebration of Life in Phoenix later in the year.

If you so choose, in lieu of flowers or a gift, please consider joining and/or donating to the Grand Canyon Trust in his honor. We love you endlessly, Wally. You will always be a vibrant light in the world.

Condolences may be offered at: www.McGilley-Frye.com