Walter L. Joyce

Walter Lemond Joyce was born October 22, 1928 in Everett, WA to Charles & Agnes Joyce. He passed away during his sleep early Wednesday morning, September 26, 2018 at Arbor Oaks Terrace care home in Newberg, OR, less then one month before his 90th birthday. When he was in the 5th grade, his family moved to a farm in Kendall, WA east of Bellingham, on which his 2 sisters still live today. He graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1947, and then worked on farms and logging operations in the area. In the summer of 1949, Rosetha Newman and Mary Hasper preached the Gospel at the Kendall School house just a half mile from their home. When Rosetha tested the meetings, Walter and his mother, raised their hands in acceptance. Walter said he was pretty shy, and maybe couldn’t have stood to his feet. They attended Milltown Convention that fall. On October 16, 1949, Ralph Sines baptized Walter and his mother in a creek at Peter Johnson’s place north of Sedro–Woolley, WA. On Oct 19, 1950, just a few days before is 22nd birthday, he was inducted into US Army during the Korean War. His basic training was at Camp Cook, California, and he served in Japan and Korea as a tank gunner. After his honorable discharge from the military, he took advantage for the GI Bill and attended Washington State University and obtained a Bachelors degree in Dairy Science. He meet Arlis Lea MacKay while at WSU in Pullman, WA. On Saturday morning, Sept 21, 1957, Walter and Arlis were married at ‘The Hitching Post’ in Coeur d’Alene ID. They just celebrated 61 years of marriage together. They made their first home together in Spokane, WA where he worked for Carnation Dairy, and then for the US Dept of Agriculture, as a dairy chemist. While in Spokane, they became parents with the birth of their first son, Bryan in 1958 and 2nd son, David in 1960. In 1961, Walter was transferred to the Denver Colorado USDA office, where they made their home for 3 years. Their 3rd son Vernon was born in Denver, Colorado in 1962. In 1964, Walter was once again transferred by the USDA to the Salt Lake City office. They rented a home for a short time in Sandy Utah before buying a home in Salt Lake City. Here their 4th son Gary was born in 1968. In the summer of 1970, Walter was transferred back to the USDA office in Spokane WA, and then in 1972 he was again transferred to the Portland Oregon office, where they bought a home just down the street from Joe & Edith Plews and Milo & Sarah Chapmen. They have called Newberg home ever since. Walter enjoyed remodeling their home over the years. He attended most of his 4 boys sporting events at NHS and continued for many years to attend events. They always had a garden, fruit trees, and grapes on their 2.75 acres. They sometimes referred to their place as the “Boys and Berry” Farm. Many fall Saturday’s were spent making gallon’s of apple juice while listening to the Cougar’s football games. Walter would often comment “Poor Cougars” after another WSU loss. Walter retired from the USDA in 1988, after 30 years of government service, the same year, their son Vernon entered the ministry. They made several ‘5th wheel travel trailer’ trips during his retirement, including trips to conventions in Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. In 1991 they also drove the ALCAN highway in Alaska with his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Marilyn Joyce. Walter & Arlis felt privileged to host bible studies and Sunday worship service in their home for many years. In 2006 they sold their Wynooski St. home in Newberg and then lived with their son Bryan, also in Newberg for eight years. In September of 2014 they moved to Brookdale Care home in Newberg, OR and in 2018 they moved to Arbor Oaks Terrace care home. Walter was preceded in death by his father in 1956, his mother in 1992, two older half brothers, Lloyd and Loren and his brother Richard. Surviving to honor his life are his wife Arlis of Newberg, sisters Janet Cooper and Mary Joyce and brother Robert Joyce and wife Marilyn of Kendall, WA, son Bryan of Newberg, son David and wife Diane of Bothell, WA , son Vernon, of Darkhan, Mongolia and son Gary and wife Brenda of Newberg, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, family & friends.

Walter L. Joyce

October 22, 1928 - September 26, 2018