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French Funerals and Cremations - University Location
1111 University Blvd. NE
PO Box 25063
Albuquerque,
NM
87102
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Tel. (505) 843-6333
Fax. (505) 247-3315
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“I only met and saw Walt twice. Aside from raising a wonderful daughter and human, I remember him as the epitome of the 'Salesman', full of humor, he...Read More »
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1 of 7 | Posted by: Steve Rounds - Englewood, CO
“To Melinda, and Walt's family:
My Mom, Helen Satterwhite lives next door to Walt. She truly enjoyed him as a neighbor and friend. Walt was always...Read More »
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2 of 7 | Posted by: Scott Pogh - Bozeman, MT
“I worked with Walt at Habitat for Humanity...what a great, caring guy. He was always willing to go the extra mile. He will be missed. My sincere...Read More »
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3 of 7 | Posted by: CarylAnn Gutheinz - Albuquerque, NM
“Walt....What a loving, funny, grounded man. He had a presence about him that made you think everything would be ok. Walt was a solid rock for family...Read More »
”
4 of 7 | Posted by: Michelle Smith - Frisco, TX
“Thanks for your service to our country.
“Day is Done” are the first words of "Taps"
Know you have ended your days with a job “well done”
...Read More »
”
5 of 7 | Posted by: Don Yeaman - Rio Rancho, NM
“The Carl A. Taylor family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times.
-Carl A. Taylor
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6 of 7 | Posted by: Carl A. Taylor - Salt Lake City, UT
“On behalf of the French Family of Companies, we would like to express our deepest condolences to your family.
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7 of 7 | Posted by: Yvonne Blevins and Team
A resident of Albuquerque since 1973, passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2012 in Albuquerque after a brave battle with lung cancer. Walt was born in Manchester, Connecticut in 1941 and raised in Newington, Connecticut, the son of Mary F. and James W. Whitman. He attended Newington public schools and graduated from the University of Hartford in 1963 with a degree in Economics. After college, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in Vietnam, the Eighth Naval District Headquarters in New Orleans, and at Naval Communications Stations in the Philippines and Spain. It was in New Orleans that Walt and his future wife, Mildred French, met and were married on June 15, 1968. Their marriage was blessed by the arrival of their wonderful daughter, Melinda Ann, while stationed in Rota, Spain. Melinda and Walt traveled to Melinda's birthplace in Spain in 2005, visiting Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Rota, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga, and Barcelona. Upon separation from the US Navy in 1973, the family relocated to Albuquerque where Walt worked in sales for Business Environments from 1976 until retirement in March, 2005. During these years, Walt was a member of the Naval Reserve and the NM Air National Guard until retirement in 1995. He was preceded in death by his incredible, loving wife of 31 years on October 17, 1999, and father and mother, James W. and Mary Whitman. He is survived by his loving daughter, Melinda Ann Sillings and son in law Michael Scott Sillings and granddaughter, Kristin Milly Sillings of Rio Rancho; sister and brother in law, Mary and Eugene Scibek of Plainville, Connecticut and sister in law, Linda Cuccia of Dallas, Texas. In retirement, Walt engaged in a variety of volunteer activities among which were the Habitat for Humanity and Sandias Kiwanis Club. Walt was also a member of the Central United Methodist Church of Albuquerque. A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29 at French - University Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or to the charity of your choice.
