Walter Girard

Age 82, of Mount Morris, died Friday, August 23, 2019, at Hospice House of Shiawassee County. A celebration of his life will take place at 6:00 pm, on Monday, August 26, 2019, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mount Morris. Pastor Darrel Manning will officiate. Walter’s family will be present at the funeral home to receive family and friends on Monday from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 6:00 pm. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to Hospice House of Shiawassee County. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Walter was born January 29, 1937, in Mount Morris, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William and Emma (Beland) Girard. On February 8, 1969 Walter would go on to marry Kathryn Coates. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary this year. Walter began his employment with General Motors, working at the Chevrolet Truck plant, and was a proud member of UAW Local #659. He would retire from GM in 1983, and go on to open his appliance shop, “Walt’s Appliances.” He was a master repairman; his skill was so sharp that he could instruct the layman on how to make repairs over the phone. Walter enjoyed life; he could be found eating a coney with chocolate milk at the local coney. Walter was also an avid games player; he played a mean game of canasta, poker, dominos, shuffleboard, and pool. He was also the neighborhood volleyball coordinator. When Walter drove through the neighborhood honking his horn, the family all knew that it was time to play. Later in life, he would take up birdwatching and feeding the birds, taking a particular liking to the Red Cardinal. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty years, Kathryn “Kay” Girard; son: Dale and wife, Jennifer “Jenny” Girard; daughters: Cindy and husband, Jerry Hubbard, Sue Waskowski, and Connie and husband, Randy Smith; brother, and only surviving sibling of the 15 children, Ray Girard; son-in-law, Chuck Dow; step-sons: Bob and wife, Marie Henson, and Tom and wife, Melissa Henson; step-daughter, Lori and husband, Mike Barbier; 22 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Peggy Dow; step-daughter, Pam Sisson; granddaughter, Jennifer Dow; and sons-in-law: Gary Waskowski, and Joe Sisson. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jaina with McLaren Hospice, and Jan with the Hospice House of Shiawassee County for their loving care of Walter.