Walt Slipp took Frank Sinatra's song to heart. He lived and died "My Way." Walt suffered with CHF for the past 5 years, but it did not subdue his fight nor sense of humor. Not a big one for goodbyes, he slipped away while our backs were turned on Wednesday, August 12. Walt was born January 31, 1927 in Albany, Oregon to hard working parents Walter and Mary (Stowe) Slipp. He was the second youngest of 6 children. Walt left school early to serve his country in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He served in the Pacific Theatre. It was love at first sight for Walt, when he met Gloria Chmelyk of Spokane, Washington while there for a convention in 1956. She thought he must be "taken" and refused to see him. He brought his mother to town the next weekend to vouch for him. They were soon married. They celebrated their 59th Anniversary in June this year. Their family was complete with the addition of 2 children, Cathy (Pipes) and Casey. Walt received his private pilot's license after the war and enjoyed flying both standard and float planes in the Tacoma area. He went to work for Gillette Tires as a truck driver and worked his way into a salesman's position. He moved to the Tri Cities while working for Gillette Tires. He opened his own service station in Pasco in 1963. He added a truck tire location and retread plant soon after. He supplied heavy equipment tires for many of the road and dam projects in the northwest. Walt sold his business to Commercial Tire when he retired. Walt was convinced that horse racing was in his blood, and he bred and raised many stakes winning quarter horses and thoroughbreds. He enjoyed racing throughout the Northwest and California. And of course, winning was always a good reason for a party. He will be reunited with his parents, all of his brothers & sisters and his infant son, Robert in Heaven. Walt lived large and loved his family that way as well. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Gloria, his son Casey and daughter Cathy, her husband Gary Pipes, and his much loved grandchildren Jared and Bailey Pipes. Walt will be laid to rest in a graveside service Wednesday, August 17 at 11:00 am at Riverview Heights Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Those who wish to remember Walt may make a gift to the Hospice House.