Walter A. Diem
October 13, 1947 ~ February 12, 2015
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
Walter A. Diem, 67, passed away Feb. 12, 2015. Survived by his longtime companion and ex-wife, Sally Ann; children, Nathan of Connecticut, Matthew (Charlotte Fraser) of Colorado Springs, Rachel of Texas, Blake of North Carolina; sister, Carol (Greg) Manaugh of Tennessee; grandchildren, Makaila, Kiana and Gavin, all of Colorado Springs, Graecie and Nathaniel of Pennsylvania. Walter was born to Walter and Elsie Diem on Oct. 13, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pa. He retired from the U.S. Navy, having served in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at Mountain Shadows Baptist Church, 947 N. Gantts Fort Ave., in Pueblo West. The service will conclude with full military honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.
In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Shadows Baptist Church, 947 N. Gantts Fort Ave., in Pueblo West, CO 81007. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
With sadness, I read of Walt\’s passing. I first met Walt as a craps instructor with JP (pre-Katrina) when he came to Biloxi to instruct. We taught a class or two together, with me giving the mind side of the game. Walt and I connected on a few levels, such as craps, both Navy (although I retired Coast Guard), and he was interested in the inner workings of the mind also. We had several good discussions over the years on the \mind\”. A few months or a couple of years could pass without talking
I first met Walt in July, ’09 in Tunica where he was instructing a J.P. On-Hands Parr clilnic. He joined my wife and I for dinner at the The Gold Strike after which he graciously spent several hours sharing his knowledge and insights regarding the game of craps. I became a student of Walt’s “Dice Magic” off-axis technique and have corresponded with him many times over the past few years. He was a thoughtful and patient mentor, a staunch proponent of leaning how to play the game correctly and intuitive and insightful in his approach to teaching and playing the game. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed by us all.
It was only the week before his passing on the 12th we were having a wonderful phone talk, brain storming new projects and ideas. He was genuinely excited, as I was also. Then, one phone call and WOW he’s gone. The reality has been depressing. BUT, finally we begin to grab ourselves, thanks to mutual friends of Walt’s, like Judy Fletcher’s suggestion, we begin
creating a new project, “A Celebration of Walt’s Life and His Many Great Works”. This helps to dampen the ‘sad sorrow’� and helps to fill such a deep emptiness of our loss of someone we truly loved. Dear Walt, Dennis F said it best, ‘you 7nd out way to early dear friend!!!’�. That chokes me up!!! But, we vow to keep your light glowing way into the future, glorifying your ‘magic works’� and so many contributions. We will miss you far more than you know. We must believe you are now with Jesus, as I know you were a true believer!! We thank God for sharing you with us for the time we had.
I was very shocked and saddened when John Vance called to inform me of Walt’s passing. I knew him for many years while I was working as JP’s office manager and was struck by his intelligence. We used to pass along funny stories, especially his favorite “blonde” jokes. He was brilliant and will certainly be missed by so many people. Thank you John for letting me know.
Frank Elrod ‘Frankie Fingers’ wanted to express his sympathies to the family. Frank met Walt in Gulfport and he now lives in Biloxi.
Walt, you will be greatly missed!
Walt was a good friend, even to those of us who only met him online. Wise, witty, intelligent and an all-around good person. He will be missed.
Walt was a fellow pilot, a keen observer of biomechanics, a smart and pleasant guy, and a good friend who did some magical things with dice at the craps tables in Las Vegas. You 7nd out much too soon Walt! Gonna miss you…df
Walt will be missed. It was only a few weeks ago that we had re-connected through Linked In. I am so sorry for your loss.