Walter Shamblin, a longtime resident of Richland, passed away on Sunday April 2, 2006. Walt was the third child of seven born to Hershel and Pearl on October 10, 1924 in Afton, Oklahoma. He and his siblings were raised on a country farm, and grew various crops. When his father passed away at the young age of 43, Walt had to take on difficult tasks to help maintain the farm. However, those hard times did not deter him from being a cut up, a practical joker, or attending weekend dances.

In 1943, at age 19, Walt heard of an employment opportunity offered by the US Government somewhere in Washington State, called Hanford. Along with many other individuals, he boarded a train and came west. He worked at Hanford and retired in 1989 as a heavy equipment operator. While working at Hanford, his fellow co-workers gave him the nickname of ''Boogey'', as he was always whistling or singing to that era's music. One night while at a local dance hall, his love for music and the dancer that he was, won the heart of a particular young woman, the love of his life, Vivian Bahm. They married in June of 1945 in Kennewick and remained married for 52 years until her passing, in 1997.

Walt and Vivian had a good full life together. They were once affiliated with the Moose Lodge, and once had reigned as Governor and Governess. They loved to go to Reno, made numerous trips to Oklahoma to visit relatives, and played Bingo here at the local halls. Although they were childless, that void was filled with the neighborhood children. Those children, now adults, still have fond memories of Walt joking, playing, fishing or hunting with them. After Vivian's passing, Walt spent his time playing Pinnacle at the Senior Center and attending dinners at the West Side Center.

Walt leaves behind his sister Maxine Brewster, brother George, his wife Alta, of Miami, Oklahoma, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, he also leaves behind his closest friends Chuck and Dorothy Finley, Carl and Hazel Denning, Jim and Marie Thompson, and Dan and Judy Gregory. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings Ray, Ruby, Louise and Gene.

It was Walt's request to be cremated and that his and Vivian's ashes be laid to rest in a family plot in Oklahoma. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 9th in the Kadlec Hospital Chapel at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity.

Walt, we will all miss you. You are now ''whole'' again in Heaven and reunited into your loved ones embracing arms.