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Died on 3 November 2007 in Colorado from an accident while he was hunting. Thanks to John Gardner for finding his obituary for us.
Obituary (Modesto Bee, November 9 or 10, 2007):
WALTER E. LATHAM June 13, 1942 - Nov. 3, 2007
Walter Latham, Watermaster for Central California Irrigation District, passed away November 3, 2007, in Colorado from an accident doing what he loved most, hunting. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Cory Latham of Los Banos, CA; sister, Nancy Mathews of Yuba City, CA; grandchildren, Jessica Latham and Taylor Pearson; also his many girlfriends: Cid, Shelly, Maria and of course, Ginger.
A memorial celebration of his life to be held Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Germino Building at the Los Banos Fairgrounds.
In honor of his passion for hunting, guests are encouraged to come in their best camo or casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Walter's name to the charity of your choice.
www.modbee.com/obituaries
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Michael M. (Mike) Gregg
i rmember walter talking to me in the late sixties as i was starting my teaching career and he was very passionate about all he tried to do to help the hill tribes in vietnam. my understanding was that he was denied permission to continue helping for his own safety and left the service he was in my mind and american hero of the highest quality. i am truly disappointed that i will not be able to see him. m gregg
Timothy (Tim) McCullough
Walt and I found ourselves in Kansas within a week after graduation, working in construction. Kansas being a Right to Work State allowed us the opportunity to both join unions, Walt the Teamsters and myself the Operating Engineers. The following year found us Colorado Springs, employed in the construction of NORAD. We stayed together for much of the following two years; mostly in Colorado but back home from time to time. At this point we seemed to drift apart for a period of four or five years. Walt joining the Army for a four year hitch and myself cowboying on the western slope of Colorado, while at the same time fitting in a semester or two attending college.
Shortly after Walt's enlistment, he volunteered for Air Born training. This led to being asked to extend for Ranger training. He must of excelled in these for again he was approached to undergo Special Forces training and he was among the first to be wearing the Green Beret. His service as a spook for Uncal Sam led him in and out of South East Asia long before most of us ever heard of South Vietnam. Upon completing his final tour in Asia he was again approach to join yet another of our Country's elite military units, the Delta Force. By this time Walt was married to Judy and the father of a son. After considerable thought he declined the offer, opting instead leave the Army and return to Marysville.
Strangely, it was about this time that I was drafted. Walt's advice to me at that time, "Tim, what ever you do, don't let them put you in the Infantry and send you to Vietnam. Do what ever you can do, but don't go into the Infantry as a "GRUNT"". Of course that is exactly what happened.
Shortly after my return home and graduation from college. I was working in Los Banos as the manager of Central California Irrigation District and was able to convince Walt to join me there. He continued his carrier with CCID as its Water Master until he past away.
When I think of the heros of our high school class, it is Walt that I believe stands above us all. He didn't play football; no he just worked on the farm. But, when it came time to give. he stood up tall and served his country with honor and distinction. This brings me to the reason for this rant. If anyone in our class deserves a flag next to his name, it is Walt. Sadly, one is missing. But, then again it is probably just the way he would want it. He never talked much about this experiences as a spook. No, he just stood back and listened to the stories of others and smiled to himself. Well done Walt, I miss you a lot. Tim McCullough