Walter Vining

Walter Belamide Vining was born in Cavite, Philippines August 2, 1929, to Carl Vining and Mercedes Vining. He grew up during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines in World War II and experienced the harsh reality of war at a very young age along with his 3 siblings, sister Myrna, and brothers Ronnie and Jack.

At age 13, he came to the U.S.A with a family relative/guardian of his Father Carl to live with his Grandparents in Bellingham, WA. Because of their age (elderly), he decided to stay with his guardian and settled in Seattle, where he attended Lowell Middle School and Edison/Seattle Preparatory School to later graduate from Queen Anne High School.

At age 19, he was drafted into the Army (Co I 187th ABN RCT APO 51). He was stationed at Fort Bragg for training and eventually performed several operations as a paratrooper during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge in 1951 and returned to the Seattle area and enjoyed post -war recreation/activities. Which included Bodybuilding, miscellaneous jobs, basking in the sun at Alki Beach, Volleyball and hanging out with friends. He returned to the Philippines for a short time to visit and catch up with family and friends. Upon returning to the U.S.A., he resumed his activities and enjoyed dancing at the local dance hall venues where he met his wife to be, Phyllis Billiones Mamon and came into her family of six and eventually had six more children of his own.

With a large and lively household, Walter found work as a Longshoreman, retail worker and Security for Seattle Public Schools. He worked 2 jobs simultaneously, multiple shifts a day to provide stability for his family, and for the most part, still came home in good spirits.

As his family continued to grow into young adults and having children of their own, his love and support of family was unprecedented and always selfless, his generosity to a fault at time. This was his way… to immediate family, extended family a host of nieces and nephews as well those he deemed friends (young and old). His caring nature even carried though the darkest of times when he lost his mother Mercedes B Vining, stepson Gregory (Jing Jing), Beloved Auntie, and youngest son John-Paul in 1995, his wife Phyllis in 2007 and stepdaughter Anita in 2013 and stepson Wally in 2017.

His love for 'All' manifested in his home where he hung pictures of family, friends and even his actress (crush) 'Catherine Zeta Johns'…LOL. Despite his failing health and limited physical abilities, his exuberance was still felt through his support, sharp mind, love and laughter until his death on August 16, 2021. There are no words that can sum up Walter's love for life, love for others and his nature that was truly a gift from God.

Walter is survived by his children; Selena, Louisa, George Jr, Venus, Victoria, Victor, Matthew, Walter Jr, Brothers Ron and Jack Tedrow, In-laws; Henry/Barbara Mamon, Gloria Mamon, Ron/Mary Jensen, Dianne Mamon, Regina Delecerna and a host of nieces and nephews. Walter is also survived by his Grandchildren; Donte, Carey, Michelle/Toody, Dana, Ciarra , Ryan, Darrin, Arnique, Lorraina, Anthony, Tina, Joseph, Christina, Christopher, Sean, Brianna, Adriana, Bennet, Jason, Tehya, Alexandria/Alex, Darah and Julian, his 36 great grandchildren and furry companions: Milo, Mateo, JP. Walter is preceded in death by his Wife Phyllis, sister/Myrna, stepsons, Wally and Greg/Jing-Jing, stepdaughter Anita, and son John-Paul.

Walter B. Vining was loved and will be missed by many. Walter will be laid to rest at 10:30am 9/1/2021 at Mt Tahoma National Cemetery.