Walter Josef Stockl

October 19, 1948 – October 6, 2024

It is not possible to sum up Walter Stockl in words. He was an experience -- ever-growing, ever-changing, always passionate in all that he pursued. Rarely inhibited by rules or social expectations, and blessed with great physical and mental intelligence, he was able to quickly absorb and understand information, and to excel at any sport or activity he chose to try. He was focused, disciplined and dedicated to achieving any goal he set for himself, and coached and inspired others to do the same. 

He was a collector of people and things that caught his eye -- a natural leader, who led without effort – a multi-faceted, fascinating human being who had respect from both friends and foes. He loved art and music – rock-n-roll, country, opera and classical, particularly Mozart, and though he was a manly-man, strong and protective, tears always flowed down his cheeks when he listened to Ave Maria. He saw beauty and wonder all around him in the smallest things and the strangest places. He loved fiercely, cherished those he loved, and felt a deep obligation to share time, possessions and knowledge wherever he saw a need, whether it was to find the perfect shelter dog to comfort a widow who had lost her beloved pet – one that needed her as much as she needed him, or to tenderly raise a nest of baby birds he had found in a fallen tree, or to be a father-figure to a young man who had lost his dad, or to donate the useful parts and pieces of that magnificent body when his spirit adventured on. That was Walter. That's how he rolled. 

His loyalty to his friends and family was deep and eternal. Life with Walter, for those who loved him, was a wild ride – never boring. We, mere mortals, just had to hang tight and try to hold on. He was life, and energy, and laughter, and light. For those of you who have been on that ride, find a memory with him that always makes you belly-laugh, and recall that when you miss him.

Let us remember, and honor his memory, not with tears, but with a renewed effort to live life fully, and to help, and inspire others to do the same – just as he taught us to do.

Best friend and wife of 52 years,

Rebecca Stockl