Walt was born to Harrison Lease and Martha Sitko Lease in Sauk Rapids, MN on March 8 1912. He passed away peacefully at home on Lopez Island, WA on February 2, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight sisters, and one brother.

Walter Lease and Frances Fish were married on June 2, 1934 in Sauk Rapids, MN, where Walt worked in the sash and door business until they moved to Seattle in 1942. In Seattle he worked as a window glazier. In 1956 he injured his arm in an industrial accident. Walt and Fran then moved to Mt Vernon in 1959, where they owned and operated the Sail Inn Tavern until 1970. They retired to Lopez Island that year. In their retirement they completed their home and carved out a park-like landscape on their 10 acres on Port Stanley Road. They had acquired the 10 acres years before from Ted Richey Sr., who was one of the Sail Inn’s patrons. They struck up a deal with him and traded a boat, two outboard motors, and a trailer for the 10 acres they live on.

Walt loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Frances Lease of Lopez Island; one daughter and three sons: his daughter Donna Rathvon and her husband Howard, in Dallas TX; his son Richard (Dick) and his wife Elaine, in Mt. Vernon; his son Bruce and his wife Dawn, on Lopez Island; and his son Gary and his wife Judy, in Selah. He has eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

As he wished, there will be no public service. The family is extremely grateful for all of the help the Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support gave to Walter these past years. Remembrances may be made in his honor to Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3