Wallace Ringstad Soli

Wallace Ringstad Soli died on September 29, 2013, at Briarwood Health Center in Issaquah, WA, where he had enjoyed living for several years. Born to Arthur and Margaret Soli on October 15, 1919, in Everett, Wally graduated from Everett High in 1938. He attended the University of Washington (taking time off to work in Alaska), where he belonged to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, rowed on Varsity Crew, and met Grace Wagner, whom he married in January 1944.

Wally served as a Navy ship captain in the Pacific during WWII after which he returned to Seattle. In the mid-fifties, Wally went to work for Container Corporation of America and moved with his family to Mercer Island, where he was active in Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Boy Scouts. In 1964, the family relocated to Southern California, first to San Marino and then to Newport Beach.

Wally and Grace enjoyed an active retirement: playing tennis, hiking, golfing, biking, boating, and traveling in their RV, often with one or more grandchildren in tow. Grace died in 2004, two months after they celebrated their 60th anniversary. A year later Wally moved back to Mercer Island, greatly enjoying long walks and the beauty of his surroundings until his health required greater assistance.

The Episcopal Church remained a constant in Wally’s life since junior high, when he left the Lutheran church his family attended because the local Episcopalians had a better basketball program and better hymns. In the 1950s Wally helped raise funds to build Emmanuel Episcopal. In the 80s he set up a Stephen Ministries outreach program for his church in Newport Beach.

Wally was the last of five siblings and their spouses. He is survived by three children: Bart, Todd (Lori), and Margaret (Herschel); five grandsons: Nat, Nick (Roz), Jordan, Gunnar (Ahna), and Cole; his former daughter-in-law Lisa; and, many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. SE, Mercer Island.

Wally managed to find joy nearly every day. Besides his family, he loved God, music, nature, children, wordplay and physical activity. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or to any organization that benefits children would be appreciated.