From: pa@walthers. com (Press Release from Walthers) Date: January 29, 2007 3:10:43 PM EST To: Subject: Bruce Walthers - In Memoriam FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bruce Walthers Passes on January 28, 2007 It is with great sadness that I must tell you that my Father, Bruce Walthers, Chairman of Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. passed away on Sunday morning. His leadership, insights, and wisdom will be sorely missed. J Philip Walthers President, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. In Memoriam Bruce J. Walthers, 1919-2007 Bruce J. Walthers was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin, on September 9, 1919 and left this world at his home in Solana Beach, California, on January 28, 2007, after a valiant battle with multiple cancers. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Barbara (nee, Banach) in 1991. Survived by loving wife and caregiver Marcia (nee, Obloy), six children of Bruce and Barbara: Bruce (Pat), Joanne Barsanti (John), J. Philip (Carole), Peter (Cathy), Judith, and Thomas (Jeanette), 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also survived by a brother William (Geri), and sister Peggy Hooper (Jim). A sister, Dorothy Mae Bellew, died several years ago. Bruce was actively involved in many different industry, civic and church groups, often serving as their diligent and hard-working President. A graduate of South Division High School, Milwaukee, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bruce served in the Navy during WWII as a meteorologist on Kwajelein Atoll in the South Pacific. After active duty, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserves at the Glenview Air Station achieving the rank of Commander. Bruce s civilian career spanned 60 years at Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., a manufacturer of model railroad equipment founded by his father in 1932. He became President in 1958 and under his leadership the company came he largest Distributor of model railroad products in the world. He successfully transferred the family business to the third generation in 1984, remaining active as Chairman of the Board of Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. to the present. He was a Board member and served as President of both the Model Railroad Industry Association and the Hobby Industry Association of America (HIAA). The HIAA awarded him their highest honors, the Meritorious Award of Honor and Lifetime Membership in recognition of his many years of service and significant contributions to the industry. Bruce was a lifelong learner and mentor to others. Early in his business life he overcame a fear of public speaking by completing the Dale Carnegie training course. He used his new skills to help others do the same, both as a Dale Carnegie volunteer leader and later as an alumnus of the program. As a member of the HIAA Board, Bruce was often designated at the national meetings to interact on behalf of the association with the celebrity performing that year. He had fond memories of sparring on stage with Joan Rivers, Mel Torme, Bill Cosby, George Burns, Joel Grey, Alan King, Julie Budd, Vic Damone, and Billy Crystal. As the President of the Milwaukee chapter of the Council of Independent Managers and Organizer and President of the National Council of Independent Managers, he helped to strengthen the expertise of countless small business owners. A community leader, he served as a Board member of Cardinal Stritch University and Board member and President of St. Anthony's Hospital. In retirement, Bruce was a frequent traveler, and participated in numerous Elderhostel programs. He stayed active by bicycling, researching family genealogy and serving as Board member and President of condominium associations in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and Solana Beach, California. He was a founding member of Holy Family Parish in Whitefish Bay, served as President of the Holy Name Society and was a Parish and Regional Chair of the Catholic Family Movement. At St. James Parish in Solana Beach, he was actively involved as an Associate of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (the Eudist Community), a Lector at Sunday Mass, and facilitator of a Small Church Community Group. Memorial liturgies will be held at St. James Parish in Solana Beach, California, and Holy Family Parish in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Funeral arrangements are being made through Greenwood Mortuary, 4300 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92112. In lieu of flowers, the Walthers family would appreciate any donations that are made in Bruce s honor to go to St. James Catholic Church (Solana Beach, CA), Holy Family Catholic Church (Whitefish Bay, WI) or the Eudist Community (The Congregation of Jesus and Mary).
That's two of the big names in the hobby- first Bobbye Hall, and now Bruce Walthers. Both will be missed.:sad:
Ms. Hall and Bruce Walthers ... our hobby is so much the better because of these two pioneers. Starting when my sister moved to Dallas in 1980, I visited Hall's countless times over the years. IMHO, hers is what a hobby shop should be ... fun to visit, countless "stuff" and friendly workers and customers, always ready to engage in a great philosophical debate over the merits of what railroad was better than the other, etc. On one of my last visits in 1998, Ms. Hall was holding forth, asking me 'what can I do for you young man?'. I spied a boxcar that was done for Hall's 50th anniversary (can't remember if it was Roundhouse or Accurail). Along with the armload of books, magazines and decals that I picked up, I knew I had to have the car. She rang up my purchase ... I was extremely nervous, but I asked her if she would mind autographing the car. With a huge smile, she consented. On my layout, I have brass locomotives and cars (including several from Hallmark Models), but that simple box car with the autograph of Ms. Hall is my most treasured. Highball Ms. Hall and Mr. Walthers. With deep respect, Burlington John
