Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. " John 10:10 Walter was born in Chowchilla, CA, to Floyd and Esther Heisey. He attended Chowchilla schools and was active as a football player and student body president for the Chowchilla Redskins. He graduated with a business degree from Fresno State University and a Master's degree from UCLA. Walt received a direct commission to the U.S. Navy after college. He was privileged to command two escort vessels during WWII, escorting merchant convoys. Walt retired from the Navel Reserves with the rank of Captain. Walt married his sweetheart, Catherine Swain Curran, and made their home in Bakersfield. They raised six children together. Walt served as Chairman of the Board of Sandstone Brick Company and as President of Ace Financial Corporation. He enjoyed being active in the community, serving as a City Councilman and Vice Mayor. During this time he was instrumental in acquiring the water rights on the Kern River for the City of Bakersfield. He was the founder of the Bakersfield Chapter Navy League of the United States. He served on the Board for the Houchin Community Blood Services and the Salvation Army, and he was an active member of Kiwanis and RiverLakes Community Church. Friends and family fondly recall his poetry recitations, and any event could elicit words of warmth, humor, passion, or patriotism as the occasion warranted. Walt will be dearly missed. Walt is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Catherine Curran Heisey. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Irene and John Parker; his son, William (Beth); daughters, Sally Bryant, Rebecca (David) Peterson, and Patricia Landis; daughter-in-law, Gail Heisey; and 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Roberta (Walter) Sutherland, daughter Kathleen Heisey, son-in-law Dan Bryant, son Thomas Heisey, and great-granddaughter Carrie Peterson. The memorial service will be held September 29, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at RiverLakes Community Church, 4201 Calloway Drive. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to the Salvation Army or RiverLakes Community Church. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 Walter Floyd Heisey 1919 - 2008