"We met up with Mary and Walter less than two years ago. We find Walter to be so helpful and kind, driving us around for three full days . We are shocked about his passing ! He is now in a better place with God. Mary and Chris, we share your grief and loss. May the Lord of all Compassion and Father of all Comforts fill your heart with peace. May his presence embrace and surround you with His love to let you know there are pains and hurt in this world but you are not alone. God Bless."
In loving memory of
Walter C. Giffrow
February 8, 1936 - February 12, 2018
<="http://donate.funeralgiv.com/24-WalterG">
Walter Chouinard Giffrow, Jr., age 82, passed away of natural causes on Monday, February 12, 2018 at his home surrounded by family.
From his birth in Freeport, Illinois to his death, Walter was widely known for being gentle, kind, funny, and generous. He was always deflective of self attention, nurturing of others, and a jovial and warm personality. He was complex: extremely humble, yet confident and bold. His smile was an undeniable trademark and proved to be infectious to all he encountered. He was predeceased by his brother Warren and is survived by his wife Mary and son Christopher.
Walter was a former Captain in the United States Air Force, Manager of the Royal Brunei Yacht Club, Manager of the Surf Club in Miami Beach, and a Distribution Manager for the Miami Herald. His leadership and heart touched every life he encountered and he is fondly remembered by so many. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a Bronze Star recipient.
Following Walter's time in the Air Force, he spent a number of years abroad where he met his loving wife Mary in Singapore in 1972. In 1980, they moved to South Florida and were married in 1981. Their son Christopher was born in 1986 and they took permanent residence in South Florida in 1990 after brief stints in Singapore and Brunei.
Walter and his family traveled yearly with great diligence to destinations across America and abroad. No matter the circumstances, family was the priority. While at home, Walter enjoyed home improvement, subtle tinkering, and new found gadgetry.
In 2012, Walter was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Despite a number of adversarial medical conditions he encountered during his years, Walter valiantly battled the condition in his elder years. As such, in lieu of flowers, wreaths, or other gifts of consolation, the family kindly asks that you donate in memory of Walter to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or another comparable Parkinson's Research Foundation of your choosing. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 19, 2018 at St. David Catholic church followed by burial at South Florida National Cemetery.
Share your memories of Walter or express condolences to his family through this online tribute.
Tributes
"I've always loved Walt's smile. He was such a gentle soul and wonderful cousin. Tom and I loved our visit with you both two years ago. I wish many miles hadn't always separated us. Blessings!"