1945
2017
Walter Smith Druce, 71, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Hospice of Greensboro. He was born Sept 2, 1945, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Larilla Smith and Walter Henry Druce. He graduated from Pocatello High School in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1963, and was employed for 34 years with Western Electric and AT&T. During his career, he was one of the first installers to train on 5ESS switching systems to upgrade telephone offices across the U.S. from rotary to electronic switching. He also worked on turnkey cellular projects in Oregon and Washington, secure business financial transactions for First Chicago Bank, and Air Traffic Control systems with the FAA.
Walt loved cars, computers, and electronics, and it was his special ministry to provide tech support to family and friends across the country. He had a big, contagious laugh and a dry wit.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne of almost 40 years, his daughter, Michelle Druce (Tracy), of Portland, Oregon, and sons Michael (Denise), of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Bryan, of Charleston, South Carolina, and sister, Myrlan Tanovich, of Layton, Utah. Also surviving are his grandchildren Brock, Jackson, Madlin, Bode, and Van.
A memorial service will be held for him later in the summer at West Market Street UMC in Greensboro. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC, 27405-4522, or West Market St. UMC, P. O. Box 870, Greensboro, NC,
27402-0870. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home.
October 6, 2017
John McQuoid
I was just told that Walt passed away. We both worked for Western Electric and spent many days in training classes on 5ESS technology. We also worked on our cars together. Walt will be missed by all my family and our prayers go out to his family for their lost.
June 17, 2017
Friend
Martha Allred
Charlie and I will always remember Walt's smile and great laugh! May you enjoy the memories you both created together and may they give you peace. Our love, sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family.
May 5, 2017
Carolyn Goodson/Sechrist
RIP Walter Neighbor during Grade School, Jr High, & High School classmate "63" Prayers to all Family
May 5, 2017
Christine Peeler
Walt was a special person. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and generously gave his time and expertise to help others. He loved to talk, laugh and joke. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family. I grieve with you all.
May 3, 2017
To Walt Druces family.....I was shocked and saddened to see Walts' obituary in this mornings Salt Lake Tribune. I got to know Walt when he first moved to Salt Lake City to attend Wel-Tec Electronic Trade School. While going to school, Walt worked at the Salt Lake Country Club, part-time, and that is where I met Walt. He lived in a duplex on the corner of Malvern Avenue and Highland Drive. Walt and I spend a lot of time working on our cars....his was the "flawless" '57 Buick Sedan, and mine a 56 Chev Bel-Aire Convert. He came down to school with three friends: Fred Lombardi, Steve Martinez and Rich ?. Walt had a delightful sense of humor and could mimic the grumpy manager at the Country Club and entertain all the employees. My job moved me to Portland, Oregon in '69 and we just lost touch. He loved electronics...I'm glad he had a great career working in a field he loved. I couldn't believe the picture in his obituary; he had hardly changed. Condolences to all of this family and friend. I'll always fondly remember Walt(at the time we called him "The Goose)."
Sincerely, Curtis W. Dowdle, Salt Lake City, Utah
May 3, 2017
Marilyn S. Harness
Sad to see that Walter has passed away. Everyone that knew him was blessed. Sympathy for the immediate family and friends. He lived just down the highway by many miles but never did see him. Talked to him before the 50th. Happy that he was a classmate.
May 2, 2017
Bob Myers
My deepest condolences to Walter's wife and family. I was sadden to hear of his passing. Walt and I were high school classmates and have stayed in touch through e-mail. It was always good to see him and visit with him at our class reunions. We both enjoyed jabbing one another because of our opposing takes on politics. I will miss getting his attempts to change my political persuasions, but most of all I will miss my friend. RIP my friend.
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