The passing of Herbert Wayne Walters (Herb)
On Tuesday, February 7, 2024, Herb Walters, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 84 at his Eagle Lake, CA home. Herb was born on October 17, 1939, in Lakeport, CA., to John and Roberta Walters. About the age of 11, his grandfather Bob Spencer passed away. Herb went to visit his grandmother Amy Spencer in Fort Bragg. Herb was raised by her until she passed away. Herb was 17 and on his own.
In his senior year of high school in 1958 he joined the US ARMY reserves as a senior at Fort Bragg high school and he served until 1965. When he was honorably discharged from the army. Herb in his hard-working life was a commercial fisherman, managed fish houses, and also managed the Noyo store, a commercial fishing equipment/tackle store at Noyo Harbor, CA. Noyo, a small, but colorful commercial fishing village on the pacific coast. Then between sea sickness and sun damaged skin, his doctor said, “You’d better make a change”. He became a timber faller, skidder operator, and established the tree service named, “The Eeger Beever”. Then ln 1995, he decided to retire, and sold the Eeger Beever.
Life changed, while doing a favor for a friend an accident occurred, and he broke his neck. Fortunately, it was a stable break, but left him with issues. After selling the tree service and breaking his neck, he couldn’t stand being idle. He then added one more thing to his resume. He bought a Wood Mizer sawmill and milled lumber.
He had a passion for the outdoors. Especially hunting, fishing, hiking, gold mining, 5th wheel traveling and gardening. In retirement he added quad riding (logging over 3000 miles on the quad), exploring new areas and digging for Obsidian in the Modoc county Obsidian mines. In the 1990’s Herb fell ln love with the Eagle Lake area and in 2005 made it his home.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Ruthelen (Ruthie) Walters, son Tom Walters, (Victoria), grandsons Taylor (Alexis) and Austin (Savannah), great granddaughters Delaney Marie, Melinda Lee, and Kinsley Laine Walters, brothers Lloyd Martin and Richard Woody, sister Jerrii Costa and many wonderful friends. Herb was preceded in death by his grandson Brayton, daughter-in-law Mindy, brother Buster and Sister Daisy.
At Herb’s request no funeral services will be held. The family will have a celebration of life at Herb’s Eagle Lake home, 509-445 Stone Road, at the North End of Eagle Lake, CA on Saturday, June 15, 2024 between the hours of 1:00pm and 5:00pm. Anyone wishing to honor Herb is welcome.
If you wish to make contributions, in Herb’s name, may be made to the Stones-Bengard volunteer fire dept., 509-695 Stone Road., Susanville, CA 96130 or the charity of your choice.
Herb was known for giving a helping hand to friends and strangers in need, but most of all he was known for his infectious smile. It has been said, “There are some who bring a light so great to the world … that even after they have gone, the light remains”. That was Herb in a nutshell.
