Major Walter T. Tanimoto | Obituary

Major Walter T. Tanimoto | Obituary

Major Walter T. Tanimoto, U.S. Army (Ret.), a distinguished veteran, volunteer, and father, passed away in the early hours of June 22, 2024. His life was marked by service, dedication, and a commitment to community.

Walt was preceded in death by his father, Atsushi. He is survived by his mother, Kumiko, his wife of 39 years, Lori, their three children, Christopher, Jennifer, and Michael, and granddaughter, Abigail.

Born in Hawaii on January 16, 1962, Walt split his early years between the United States and Japan. He graduated from Lake Washington High School and was an ROTC student at Seattle University. In 1984, after obtaining a degree in history, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Armor Officer.

Walt served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, earning numerous awards, including a Combat Infantryman Badge. After retiring from the Army, he transitioned to civilian life, embarking on a long and impactful career at the Washington Department of Revenue.

Beyond his professional achievements, Walt was deeply committed to supporting his fellow veterans. He actively participated in several veterans’ organizations and had leadership roles in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Nisei Veterans Committee, and the Military Order of the Cootie, and he was a life member of the American Legion.

A funeral and reception will be at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington, WA on 9 August beginning at 1100hrs. Walt will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Tahoma National Cemetery on 9 August 2024 at 1500hrs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Obituaries

Mary Emma Huber | Obituary
Mary Emma Huber | Obituary

December 19, 1930 - November 15, 2024 Mary E. (Marie) Huber passed… Continue reading

Carl Glenn Hart | Obituary
Carl Glenn Hart | Obituary

1938-2025 Carl Glenn Hart passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at… Continue reading

Jack Lee George | Obituary
Jack Lee George | Obituary

Jack Lee George passed peacefully in Des Moines, WA on November 25,… Continue reading

Marcia Ann Powers | Obituary
Marcia Ann Powers | Obituary

January 30, 1940 - December 4, 2024 Marcia Ann Powers (formerly Cosgrove-Wiedmann),… Continue reading

Donna McLeod | Obituary
Donna McLeod | Obituary

Born on January 2, 1931, Donna Jean McLeod, nee Harding, passed away… Continue reading

Patti Lee Fluke | Obituary
Patti Lee Fluke | Obituary

1952-2024 “A joyful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 18:24 Patti Lee Fluke,… Continue reading

Peggy A. Fleener | Obituary
Peggy A. Fleener | Obituary

Jan. 2, 1943 - Oct. 26, 2024 Peggy Fleener, 81, of Green… Continue reading

Marian E. O'Rourke | Obituary
Marian E. O’Rourke | Obituary

October 5, 1922 - October 10, 2024 Marian E. O’Rourke was born… Continue reading

Denis James Taft | Obituary
Denis James Taft | Obituary

Denis James Taft, Captain, USN (Ret), 89, Kent, WA died peacefully on… Continue reading

Irene Burlile Eckfeldt | Obituary
Irene Burlile Eckfeldt | Obituary

July 15, 1935- September 21, 2024 Irene Burlile Eckfeldt was born with… Continue reading

Dorothy Rishel | Obituary
Dorothy Rishel | Obituary

December 20, 1925- September 3, 2024 Dorothy “Dottie” Rishel , a current… Continue reading

David Jules Harris | Obituary
David Jules Harris | Obituary

November 24, 1945 – May 26, 2024 David Jules Harris passed away… Continue reading