Walter Robert Sullivan, 74, of Summerville passed away March 5, 2017, at a local care center. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at the Summerville Cemetery.

Walt was born December 26, 1942, to Charles and Dicksie (Spencer) Sullivan in Topeka, Kansas. At a very young age, his mother died unexpectedly. In 1944, his father married his mother of 60 years, Erma Humphrey. His family lived in the heartland states throughout his childhood.

He graduated from high school in Oklahoma City, then moved to the west coast and work for the Forest Service. Later, he graduated from Oregon State University in 1967 with a degree in civil engineering. In 1970, he married Elizabeth Sanderson in La Grande.

Throughout his career he assumed numerous executive positions with the Oregon State Dept. of Highways in Pendleton, Portland and La Grande. He was registered by the state of Oregon to practice as a professional engineer in civil and traffic engineering and as a professional land surveyor.

He retired in 1996 from the Region 5 construction engineer position and pursued a variety of his favorite hobbies such as woodworking, restoring antiques, and developing model train layouts. More so, he was a gourmet chef of fine foods.

Walt was a member of the American Society of Engineers, the Imbler School Board and the Imbler Education Foundation.

Walt is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his son Dallas and daughter-in-law Memory; grandsons Bryce Sullivan and Leslie and Kadyn Trick; his sisters Caroline Sullivan, Oklahoma, and Cheryl and Riley Price, Pendleton; brother Brad and Kathy Sullivan, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Charles D. Sullivan.

A special thank you is extended to the physicians and nurses of Grande Ronde Hospital, Angelina Senior Care, and Grande Ronde Hospice Care. Their sympathetic kindness enhanced Walt's spirits. Also, the family expresses gratitude and gives thanks to his long-term friends and professional colleagues for their everlasting support and love.

The family requests contributions may be made to the Imbler Education Foundation, P.O. Box 95, Imbler, OR 97841.

East Oregonian (Pendleton, OR) - Monday, March 13, 2017