Albert Eric Walter

​On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Albert (Al) Eric Walter set sail on his final voyage. Al was born on January 13,1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Eric Arthur Walter and Marion Elizabeth (Miller) Walter, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James and his wife, Lora, and their son Miles, as well as his sister, Mary Lou Chapel and her husband, Darrell. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Susan M. (Fish) Walter. Other survivors include his brother-in-law, Stephen Fish, and his wife, Terri; his sister-in-law, Mary Clinton; nieces, Mindy Walter, Debbie (Miles) Walter, and Heather Fish (AJ Foote); nephew, Benjamin Fish; great-nephews, Seth (Amanda) Walter, and Wylde Foote; as well as several great-great-nieces and nephews. Although Al’s father died when he was just three years old, he was lovingly raised by his mother and sister. As a teen, Al’s sister and brother-in-law took him on many hunting and fishing vacations and opened their home to him when his mother died when he was just 19. Al was a 1968 graduate of Kelloggsville High School where he played varsity football for three years and was an All-Conference selection in his senior year. He also thoroughly enjoyed playing tuba in the marching band and guitar in the pep band. In 1973, Al graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Western Michigan University. Al worked in the tool and die industry, as well as inside sales in heating and air conditioning. He enjoyed several years building decks with his brother and nephew and was particularly proud of his carpentry and remodeling abilities, having completely gutted and renovated the first home he and Susan owned. Al and Susan married in August of 1972 and fell in love with sailing shortly thereafter. They owned several sailboats before buying their dream boat in 1984—a brand new Catalina 27, which they owned for more than 30 years. They were members of Muskegon Yacht Club and spent summers on Lake Michigan sailing to ports along the shoreline as well as across the lake to Wisconsin. Fifteen years ago, they built a brand-new home, which they thoroughly enjoyed while spending time on their other hobbies of music, gardening, cooking/grilling, and cat ownership. Al’s beloved wife, Susan, expects to reunite with Al when she embarks on her last voyage to their final port of call. There they hope to enjoy a magnificent and everlasting sunset and bask in each other’s love and affection for all eternity. A memorial service to celebrate Al’s life will be held Saturday, October 28 at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Jamestown), 2371 Riley St, Hudsonville, 49426. Fellowship will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a brief memorial celebration at 2 p.m. In recognition of Al’s colorful personality, somber clothing is NOT expected. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s memory to Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley Street, West Olive, MI 49460.