Dr. Walter C. Giffin
April 22, 1936 ~ July 3, 2014
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
Dr. Walter C. Giffin, 78, of Pueblo West, Colo. died Thursday, July 3, 2014, as a result of an auto accident. He was born April 22, 1936, in Walhonding, Ohio to the late Maurice and Ruth Giffin. Walt was a graduate of Bucyrus (Ohio) High School (class of 1954) and went on to receive his Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate (1960) degrees in Industrial Engineering from Ohio State University. On September 1, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Neff (who survives). He briefly worked for General Motors Corp. at their Tech' Center in Troy Michigan, before returning to OSU to begin his teaching career. Walt achieved his position as professor and authored three books in the field of Industrial Engineering. His career at OSU spanned 1961 thru 1987, retiring from OSU and moving to Colorado where he assumed the position of Department Chairman for the University of Southern Colorado. Walt then developed the first Masters Program for Industrial Engineering in the state of Colorado and then retired for the second and final time in 1992. He was an avid aviator. His father operated the airport in Bucyrus, where at the age of 17, Walt assisted in the restoration of an airplane and acquired his private pilots' license and went on to earn his commercial and instructors ratings. Over the years he owned a number of airplanes, two of which were meticulously homebuilt. In addition to Bev, he is survived by two children, Steve and Rebecca; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. His sister Vicki resides in Charleston, W. Va. Walt was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Darrell and Jerry. The brother's love of aviation created a special bond between the three of them. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2014, at the Fremont County Airport, 60298 Hwy 50, Penrose. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Foundation or the EAA Give Wings to Dreams Program. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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Our sincere sympathy goes out to Walt’s family in this time of need. He was a terrific guy and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Blue skies and tailwinds, Walt. Wheel side down is optional.
About 10 years ago I located Dr Giffin’s phones number in Colorado. Dr Griffen was an undergrad professor for me at Ohio State and he was my Master’s degree and thesis advisor at OSU too. I called him this ten years ago to say hello and to thank him for his positive influence on my life. He was so capable and such a wonderful teacher. He honored me by featuring my thesis work in one of his text books. That book I see everyday in my home office. And he kindly thanked me for my call.
So this day I thought about him and searched his name and I was so sad to read that he lost his life in an auto accident 2 years ago.
To his family, please know that I and many other students valued this fine man, your husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. May he be flying his plane with a big smile in heaven.
Bill Bundy. OSU 1974 and 1976
Jim and I knew Walt from our days at OSU in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Jim references him all the time in his papers for CMG, the Computer Measurement Group. Jim says, ” I learned from the master.” I can still hear his laugh all these years later and him telling me I would marry an engineer. What a fine man and terrific professor and friend. We are so saddened to learn this so late. Jim and Sharon Brady
James F. Brady, BS,ISE; MS,ISE
I know his passing was a couple of years ago, but I was an undergrad at OSU in the late 70s and took his Transform Techniques class. Only class I ever had where the prof wrote the book and one of the few where I felt some “passion” as an undergrad. I loved the math! I just looked up the book again to share with someone working some “mathematical modeling” and I was sad to hear. Had to share…
Thanks for the letter Bev. I am at a loss as what I can say to ease your pain. Walt was dear to my heart as you are now. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. You are in my heart and prayers.
I just became aware of Walt’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss Bev. Always enjoyed our talks at the office and the time we spent with you guys at EAA. Walt was an inspiration to my son, Tony.
Walt was a good friend… I will miss him. We had some wonderful flying trips, & we will always remember those good times. We’re sad and so sorry for your loss, Bev and family.
Walt was a wonderful man with an amazing sense of humor. Tom and I will miss him. He’s flying in Heaven. Marlene and Tom Keithley.
Bev, I am so sorry for your lost. Walt was loved by all.
On behalf of the Mountain View Pet Lodge staff, we send our deepest sympathies to Bev, Murphy and the rest of the family. Walt was a kind & caring person who loved all his dogs through the years and was a great person.
Walt was a good friend and mentor. He was an outstanding professor and I admired him greatly. He made lasting contributions to Industrial and Systems Engineering at Ohio State. He will be missed by many as we mourn his passing.
Walt had a lasting positive impact on the department and the university – we benefit every day from what he accomplished. I admired him greatly and mourn his loss.