Walter J. Hermiston

1921-2011

Walter Junior Hermiston, 89, passed away peacefully, March 4, 2011, at the Clark Fork Valley Long Term Care in Plains, Montana, of natural causes.

Walter was born December 15, 1921, in Spokane, Washington, the third son of Walter A. “Blonde” Hermiston and Virginia (Johnson) Hermiston.

He spent his early childhood between the area of Paradise and Seattle, Washington until his parents’ divorce, after which he and his brothers, Jack and Woodell, were raised by their Grandmother Lena Hermiston in Paradise, Montana.

Walter spent his adult life in the Paradise area, leaving only to work at various labor jobs. He worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad on the section as a young man; followed later by work with the Forest Service and as heavy equipment operator of various construction companies, and finally at the tie  plant in Paradise as a boiler operator.

He loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing, and he also enjoyed watching sports. He had a love for animals. Many a stray animal was taken in and cared for over the years in Paradise. Walter was also an accomplished, self taught musician. He spent many hours at home playing his favorite stringed instrument the mandolin, and will be remembered by some for his singing, and yodeling, on certain occasions.

During the past few years of his life he spent countless hours at “the cabin” on the Donlan Flat area of St. Regis Paradise Cutoff.  It became a favorite gathering place for family and friends. The entire family spent many memorable summer outings, enjoying fishing trips, and family gatherings. It was a special place to him and he kept it immaculate.

On May 29, 1941, Walter and Violet Palmer were married in Thompson Falls, Montana, a union that lasted 67 years until Violet’s death in July of 2008. They had three children, Carol, Betty, and Walter.

Walter was a proud WWII veteran and like so many that served, rarely shared his combat experiences, yet lived with deep emotional scars the rest of his life, without complaint. After 18 months of service he received an honorable discharge and was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions during the liberation of Metz, France, from German occupation.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Violet, a loss he never fully recovered from, his parents, his two brothers, his beloved grandmother Lena Hermiston, many favorite aunts and uncles, and his great granddaughter Leslie French and great grandson Paul Hillebrandt.

His is survived by daughters Carol (Tom) Hillebrandt of Spokane Valley, Washington, Betty (Dan) Kelly of Paradise, Montana, and son Walter A. (Lorraine) Hermiston of Plains, Montana.  His grandchildren are Ron Hillebrandt, Cindy (Hillebrandt) Hudson, Becky (Kelly) McDonald, Lisa (Kelly) French, Sean Kelly, Lacey Hermiston, and Kyle Hermiston.  His great grandchildren  are Greg French, Kassie (French) Marjerrison, Beau French, Melissa French, Kevin Hillebrandt,  Cean Hudson, Lyndsay Hudson, Brandson, Hudson, Erin Hillebrandt, and Tristan Kelly.  His great-great grandchildren are Caden Hillebrandt, Kylie Hillebrandt, Kolter Marjerrison, and Karissa French. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.

Graveside services with military rites are planned to be held at the Paradise Cemetery on Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to invite you to a luncheon that will follow at the VFW in Plains.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Homes, Plains & Thompson Falls. 406-826-5653.