Walter “Walt” Gregory Ebert was born in Seattle WA on February 14, 1940. He was the son of Gregory F Ebert, Helena MT and Alyce W (Carpenter) Ebert, Lewistown MT. Walter passed away peacefully on January 31, 2022, at the age of 81.
Walter grew up in the Seattle area where he attended Seattle Preparatory School, Jesuits High School Seattle WA, Franciscan (Serria) Seminary, Salem OR and studied at Carroll College, Helena MT and Western Washington University, WA.
Walter served a in a few branches of the military. 8 years in USAF – E4; 1966-1967, Vietnam – logistics (Radar O’Reilly) discharged in 1967. 1972 – US Army Reserve – Civilian/Military – retired in 1993, as a CW4, Chief Warrant Officer and 396th Stationed Hospital SSA, Hospital Supervisor Staff Administrator, with 30 years of service.
Walter was the oldest of 5; 4 brothers and 1 sister. He was a great big brother and caregiver to his siblings and has shared many fond memories of his childhood with family and friends.
Walter loved his “fur babies” Cassy, Sassy, Gus Gus and Winnie. Walter was very active in AA for 45 years and sponsored, supported and helped countless number of people through their sobriety. Walter and a few other AA members started/continued the “Candlelight” meeting for over 35 years.
He loved to listen to music especially jazz and classical (at times his neighbors got to listen too); he would tell us he was “Living the Life of Riley” meaning, “living the easy life”, “one day at a time”. He was a “gentle giant” at 6’2″, a “straight shooter” and spoke his mind whether you were going to like what he had to say or not. He taught us all life lessons by starting out, “My nana used to say . . .” He loved to give waiters/waitresses a hard time, but he always tipped them well.
His nephew Niko remembers Uncle Walter taking his family to a rental cabin in Seeley Lake MT, where they learned how to drive a boat, water-ski and fish. He loved going to his grandchildren’s school events/plays, football, basketball, and soccer games, (even in the frigid cold wrapped up in his parka, gloves and scarf). They could always hear him cheering them on from the sidelines.
Walter was a bright light in our lives and had a heart of gold. He treated everyone like family and left a lasting impression on everyone he met, (good or bad). He made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. His warm embracing hugs and deep voice brought comfort to everyone.
Walter is proceeded in death by his parents: Gregory F Ebert Helena MT, Alyce W (Carpenter) Ebert, Lewistown MT, brothers Gerald Ebert (Betty)Seattle WA, John Ebert (Carolyn) Seattle WA, sister Maryalyce Stamatiou Snohomish WA, uncles and aunts, Robert (Catherine-Kay) and Bernard (Kay) Ebert and cousin Mary Kay Holbrook, all of Helena MT.
He is survived by his brother, Gregory Ebert (Alice Sierra) Seattle WA, brother-in-law, Nick Stamatiou Snohomish WA, sons, Elliot Gregory Ebert (Trish), Garden City, KS, John Patrick King (Robin) and Michael Arthur King Gresham OR, daughter-in-law Diane Hastings (Ed), Helena MT.
Grandchildren, Michael King (Karli), Helena MT, Samantha Brown (Alex), Helena MT, Tatum Hastings, Fort Collins CO; Kaila Gill, Bozeman MT, Ayla Ebert, Nathan Ebert, Gregory Ebert, Hanna Ebert, Garden City KS.
Great Grandchildren, Mason Brown, Lucas Brown, Wyatt Brown, Greyson Ochoa, Harper King, Helena MT.
Nieces and nephews, Lia Stamatiou, Doni Stamatiou, Gregory Stamatiou, Alexia Stamatiou, Niko Stamatiou, Seattle WA, Christopher Coscia, Joni Coscia, Seattle WA.
Cousins, Jeff Ebert (Mary Claire), Seeley Lake MT (Carmen, Ashleigh, Kevin), Mark Ebert, Helena MT (Anna, Markell, (Linoy), Faith), Marcia Smith (Brad), Helena MT, Mike (Nika), Great Falls, MT, Mary Ebert, Helena MT, Connie King, Seattle WA, John Holbrook, (Mary Elizabeth Williams (Tyler), Anne Margaret Hooper (Andrew), Helena MT.
A heartfelt “Thank You” goes out to everyone who helped Walter on his journey; Home Health, VA caregivers, especially Lisa Schmitz, who saw him at his orneriest but loved and cared and gave him the respect he deserved. Fort Harrison VA Hospital ICU staff, Dr. Askin, attending, Victoria Cronin, PACT Social Worker, for helping our family make difficult healthcare decisions, all the while showing Walter and our family respect, dignity, and compassion. Thank you to the ICU nurses Brian and Todd for not only taking care of Walter, but who also endured all of Walters close friends and family getting the opportunity to call/Face Time with Walter in the ICU before his passing. I know we all kept you busy!
Walter’s farewell To Those I Love:
When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears, Life goes on and so must you. With all my Love, carry on and enjoy your Life!!!
Have a Grand Day! Walter Gregory Ebert
Celebration of Walters life with full military funeral honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 8, 2022 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A Reception will follow the service in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. All are invited.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 8, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Monday August 8, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 8, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Monday August 8, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Joe Petkewich says
Walter I’ll miss you. You are a great man with a big heart.
My sympathies to all of Walter’s family and friends.
LUSHA REIS says
Our thoughts and condolence are with the family. I know he was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. How lucky they were to have Grampa Walter in there lives.
Love,
The Reis family
Staci Litschauer says
Walt, Cassy, Sassy, and Gus were my neighbors for over 10 years. He was a nice man and a great neighbor. I missed him when I moved but never forgot him. My deepest condolences to all of Walt’s family and friends.
Preston K Phelps says
Walt was a very important person in my life. I did not know him , but while I was struggling in life (military service) he befriended me and supported me during some tough times. Made a huge difference in my life. Yes, difficult at times, but a huge heart. Walt hope to see you on the other side when I go.