Walter R. Rodgers III

Walter R. Rodgers III died on August 25, 2010 with his wife Lynne by his side. Walter was born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 5, 1919, the son of Amy H. and W. Ralston Rodgers, Jr. Walter graduated from Amherst College in 1941 and served in the USAF in England, 1941-1945. Walter and Lynne Repkie were married December 21,1946 while Walter was attending University of Pennsylvania Law School. He practiced law in Philadelphia until he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, WA. Walter later retired as Lt. Col. U.S.A.F. Reserve. The family moved to Spokane where Walter served as House Counsel for the Cowles Publishing Company, later as Asst. U.S. Dist. Atty., and later in private practice. The Rodgers enjoyed hiking, camping, and exploring the Northwest. Walter particularly enjoyed hunting with his sons and their Beagle, Jeffrey. During his years in Spokane, Walter was President of the Spokane Lay Citizens Commission for Public Schools, the Inland Empire Association of the Amateur Athletic Union, the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Northeastern Chapter of the Washington State Heart Association. In 1968 the Rodgers moved to Mercer Island (M.I.) where Walter became House Counsel for the Jack Benaroya Company. He later served as Regional Counsel for Region X, H.U.D., retiring in1982. Walter was a member of the M. I. Historical Society, M.I. Planning Commission, and M.I. Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder. He was a founding member of M.I. PROBUS, and served on the BOD of the Hamlin-Robinson School for Dyslexics. Walter was revered by his family, friends, and professional colleagues for his integrity, loyalty, intelligence, objectivity, humor, common sense, and his deep sense of fair play. Walter and Lynne traveled to all areas of the U.S and Europe. Walter had been in all 50 states. He enjoyed reading history, collecting U.S. coins, and was an avid crossword puzzler. Walter adored dogs of all kinds, who always enthusiastically returned his affection. In his final year, Walter was a patient at the M.I. Care and Rehab Center. The Rodgers family cannot adequately express their gratitude for the loving care Walter received from all the staff there. He was loved, and greatly appreciated their attentive care. Walter is survived by his wife Lynne; son William of Mercer Island; son Rev. Stephen M. Rodgers and his sons Luke and George of Portland, OR; and cousin Georgene Ambrose of Berwyn, PA. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dr. Carolyn A. “Puddie” Rodgers in 1982. Family services have been held. Memorials to Walter may be made to Senior Foundation of Mercer Island, P.O. Box 51, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. ~ W. Shakespeare~

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