I worked for Walter at Standard Furniture most of my years at Hoosac Valley High School (1978-1981). During this time I got to know Walt well. I learned many valuable life lessons from Walt that still shape the choices I make and the person I am today. Above all he demonstrated the importance of treating people right. On one particular Sunday he invited me to his home to earn some extra money helping him build a deck in his backyard. I showed up as an early Sunday dinner was being served and the family insisted that I join them for a home cooked steak dinner. After dinner we worked for a few hours then his younger children asked me to play kickball with them in the yard. I still think about how he and his family opened their home and shared a beautiful Sunday with me. I learned many other life lessons from Walts kindness, intelligence, and business sense. I will forever appreciate and remember Walt. I offer my sincere sympathy and prayers to Walts family during this difficult time.