Sir Walter Lindal
January 31, 1919 - September 15, 2011
Obituary
Sir Walter Lindal
January 31st 1919 – September 15th, 2011
Sir Walter Lindal, founder of Lindal Cedar Homes and avid inventor, passed away peacefully at home in Seattle, WA on September 15th, 2011, at the age of 92, after a short battle with kidney failure.
Born in Saskatchewan, Canada to a family of nine, he spent his childhood years in an orphanage with his twin brother Jake, before joining the military. His innovations in the military quickly earned him officer status.
His real passion, affordable housing, led him to found his first company, Colonial Homes, in 1945. He knew that by consolidating quality materials to a single source would save the homeowner money when building their dream home. The dream that was Colonial Homes became Lindal Cedar Homes when he opened his first model in Vancouver, BC in 1962.
In 1941 he married the love of his life, Isobel Mary Rendall, and very soon had a large family of his own: first Bonnie, then Robert, Douglas and Martin.
Realizing that building cedar homes from the eastern provinces of Canada was not the most efficient way of doing business, he moved his family to British Columbia in 1962 – ‘to where the cedar is,’ as he was fond of saying.
After several successful years, the Lindal family moved yet again to settle in Tacoma in 1966, then Seattle in 1970. There he opened the flagship headquarters of Lindal Cedar Homes, an iconic Lindal home on the side of Interstate 5 near Boeing Field.
In the years that followed, his company flourished, with excellent leadership from his sons and daughter. He continued to contribute to the innovations of the company each and every day, only pausing to celebrate his birthdays and half-birthdays, until his daughter figured him out and gave him one sock, with its mate to follow the next year.
Affectionately called ‘the World’s third-greatest Creator’ by his current wife, Lady Margrit Lindal, Sir Walter has over 30 patents filed in the US and Canada, mostly in custom housing. Earlier this week, he gave his eldest son the handwritten final draft of his latest patent application to be filed. His dedication is an inspiration to every single person he touched.
He is lovingly remembered by hundreds of loyal dealers and staff and thousands of Lindal homeowners around the world. He is survived by his children Bonnie Gayle m. Robert McLennaghan, Robert Walter m. Suzanne, Douglas Frederick m. Theresa and Martin Jon m. Carmen, as well as his grandchildren Trina Valerie, Christina Elizabeth m. Cameron Thomas-Peterhans, and Jacob Martin Ordonia. The love of his life, Isobel, passed away in 1990, and Lady Margrit Rosa has been his loving wife since 2007.
Remembrances can be left with the Bonnie Watson Funeral Home, at their website: www.bonneywatson.com. Donations, in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated by the NW Kidney Center, Providence Hospice or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Providence and the Kan-Do nurses and staff for their excellent care.
A memorial will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, September 20th at Horizon House, 900 University Street, Seattle.
Sir Walter has always been a motivation in believing in the future. His tireless search for a better house was inspiring to say the least. He didn’t do it for money but because it was the right thing to do. He will be missed at the Annual Meetings as he was always the highlight and we looked forward to seeing him each year.
To the Lindal Family and Employes,
Our deepest condolences. It was a great honor to have met Sir Walter and to have been inspired by him. Always a smile, always a wave – his life and what he accomplished has changed the lives of so many. Nothing beats the enjoyment of living in a Lindal home.
To The Lindal Family,
Our condolences to the family! Sir Walter made a difference in our world, continue to carry on his legacy in both your spirit and actions. He will be missed by all!
Tom & Suki West
Sir Walter was a wonderful man, fun to listen to, fun to be with and amazing to watch when he was ‘in action’. He could tell a story like no other and just as many stories could be told about him. We will miss him dearly.
Doug and Marty, I was sad to read in the news paper about your dad’s passing. His life story is really remarkable and inspiring. He came from humble beginnings and built an incredible company. Reading about his life, it is no wonder he had such fine children.
This part of getting older, losing our parents, certainly is hard. I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and your families. I am sorry that I was unable to let you know in person at the memorable. I would have loved to see you both after so many years.
Our visits to the “Head Office” were never complete without a visit by Sir Walter. His zest for life and commitment to LCH were evident. I always learned something from him and have fond memories of our visits. My condolences to the entire Lindal family.
Sir Walter was one of the greatest person we have ever met in our lifes. We will always remember him as a creative man, a very good friend and most of all captiviting human being.
To the entire Lindal’s family we are offering our deepness and sincere sympathy
It always amazed and inspired me each time I saw Sir Walter at work in the office. He is an incredible man that will be truly missed.
Sincere condolences to all in the Lindal Family. It was always such a pleasure to see Sir Walter at the Annual Meetings, he was always so friendly and kind to all of us that visited at that time. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten!
I offer my deepest condelences to the entire Lindal family.
I am honoured to have met Sir Walter and am inspired by his passion for what he loved to do. I will always remember the day he apologized for only making it into the office 3 days a week he made that statement only 9 months ago. A true inspiration. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear about Sir Walter’s passing. What an amazing life he had!
It was a great honor to have met and shared time and thoughts with Sir Walter. They quite simply don’t make them like that anymore. The passion and vitality he showed in his work throughout his entire life have been truly inspirational.
During our many visits to Lindal, Sir Walter was always the soul of the place, quietly moving along the hallway, going to work on another amazing invention – and yet always happy to stop and share his ideas and the boyish excitement he had for his for his work.
Please accept sincere condolences from all of us at Turkel Design.
Sir Walter will be sadly missed.
To the Lindal Family – Sir Walter was a man who truly made his mark in the world and a source of inspiration for so many employees, dealers and customers. We feel honored to have known him the past 6 years and blessed to have enjoyed his charm. We want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sir Walter was indeed an inspiration to many. He demonstrated the very best in all that he did. His tenacity, perseverance, vision, leadership and Love for family will have a lasting impact on the lives of many. My heartfelt condolences to the immediate Lindal family. He will be missed, but his values and character will continue to shine through his loved ones.
Dear Lindal Family-
Sir Walter was a true inspiration for our overseas business partners, and for me.
Sir Walter was the pioneer in establishing U.S. / Canadian house package exports to Japan starting from the latter 1960’s, as well as the U.K., Australia and many other overseas markets. His ground-breaking efforts around the world continue to bear fruit to this day, and I expect, for decades to come.
Sir Walter will be deeply missed, not just in the U.S. and Canada, but all around the globe. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone,
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
He has built a Legacy that the Lindal family must cherish and continue to build upon.
We are honored to have known Sir Walter. He was an inspiration to both of us. One of our favorite things about the Annual Meetings was hearing Sir Walter share his wisdom through his childhood stories and life experiences. He’ll be greatly missed, but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Our sincere condolences go out to the family.
Sir Walter was a rare man who was able to inspire those around him .
We will feel his loss but we also will celebrate his life and many accomplishments. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
To the Lindal Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
It was a pleasure to know Sir Walter. He truly was a visonary and inspiration to all of us.
He will be missed by all.
Sincerely
Erwin & Gabriele Heinz
My heart goes out for the family of this wonderfully creative soul…I know that he will be missed by all! Tim
Such a Bright Star to shine among
us to inspire and help define us. He was above the trivial , the negative, always logical and a fortress for his clan , numbering in thousands ,loved and sorely missed.
Such a Bright Star to shine among
us to inspire and help define us. He was above the trivial , the negative, always logical and a fortress for his clan , numbering in thousands ,loved and sorely missed.
What an honor is was to get to know Sir Walter and spend time with him. One of my fondest memories was eating breakfast with him on the cruze to Alaska while the ship was navigting a ice choked fiord. We spoke of his child hood and all the experiance in his life. all of us who got to know him are richer for the experiance. Cheers to Sir Walter
To the Lindal Family, I have such wonderful memories of your father as such a vital man with a great zest for life, and a twinkle in his eye.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love JoAnn
To the Lindal Family, Sir Walter was an inspiration in always striving to do more and create new things. I was honored to have known him. I will always remember seeing his kid-like antics when he would arrive upon a bowl of chocolate kisses. I hope the many wonderful memories you have will help you get through this difficult time. God Bless.
To the Lindal Family: I thought of Sir Walter Lindal as my American father. His passion for life awakened something deep within my heart that I will hold dearly forever. His values, determination and kindness is something that we all should value and reflect on daily as we go through our journey in life. Sir Walter knew how to motivate and awaken the passion that is hidden in each and every one of us. We will never forget him as he has changed our lives forever. God’s blessings on you, until we meet again.
My son Gareth and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Sir Walter Lindal’s loved ones. We feel privileged having had the opportunity to meet Sir Walter. At his 90th Birthday Party, he took my hand in his hands, bestowed kind words and a warm welcome.
We feel proud belonging to a family organization with great values and integrity.
There is an old saying, look at a man’s family and you will see the man.
Sir Walter’s family are a true testimony of an incredibly clever, forward thinking man with principals and a warm heart.
My heartfelt condolences. My impression from the short time I was in Seattle was Sir Walter was very well respected and much loved by all those around him. Not only by his immediate family but by all the extended Lindal family. It was an honour to meet him and I am sure he will be remembered each time an owner walks into their Lindal Cedar home. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Truly, one of the most unique and genuine people we’ve ever known. Sir Walter will be greatly missed by all the many lives he touched. Our condolences to the family members he leaves.
I am saddened by the loss of Sir Walter Lindal. It was a great pleasure to have met him at the new dealer seminar in July. Truly an inspiration to us all! My sincere condolences go out to his family.
For the 8 years I worked at Lindal, it was always so nice to see your smiling face and get your warm hugs every week. You are a very caring, honest and hard working man. You were loved by everyone and will be truly missed. Rest in peace Sir Walter Lindal.
My thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Lindal Clan. Sir Walter was gracious and considerate at all times. His inspiration and foresight will be greatly missed. I an honored to have known him.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Lindal family during this difficult time. We can all recognize that Sir Walter was a great man, but only you have the memories of a great father.
Sir Walter was an inspiration, that inspiration, and his enduring spirit, lives on in all of us.
Doug and Terry…We are so sorry to learn of your Father’s death. I will always remember him at your 60 th birthday party. He was so lively and funny and so very proud of you and all his family. May the Lord bless and keep him. Love, Sandi and Bernie.
Bonnie,Bob,Doug &Marty
My sincerest condolences-what a wonderful creative legacy your Dad left-we dealers share your deep pride for Sir Walter.just last January Sir Walter,the master,bestowed the nicest compliment to me”you really added some classy designs to our Lindal”homes.
warm thoughts
John Axmith Lorraine Tyson
Bonnie,Bob,Doug &Marty
My sincerest condolences-what a wonderful creative legacy your Dad left-we dealers share your deep pride for Sir Walter.just last January Sir Walter,the master,bestowed the nicest compliment to me”you really added some classy designs to our Lindal”homes.
warm thoughts
John Axmith Lorraine Tyson
It was a pleasure to meet such a creative and honorable man. His legacy will remain forever with us. That legacy includes a strong and talented family that will miss him so. We all will.
Think now of the monument that remains. For every door that opens and closes in a Lindal Home, is as a heartbeat. The light of the sun warms the spirit. The elegance of structure defines our security. In this and countless other ways Sir Walter will live in our hearts and minds. Forever guiding and inspiring us to look ahead and beyond. For it is not the measure of a man that he has lived, but that he is fondly remembered.
Dear Margrit, Bonnie, Bob, Doug and Marty
I have many fond memories of spending time with your Mom and Dad
having dinner together at least 3 times a month at their penthouse.
My deepest sympathy to you all. Your Dad will be missed by all. I will miss his visits to my area looking for that little chocolate treat he so loved.
May God Bless you during your time of healing.
Love,
Corinne
Our hearts reach out to you and yours with fond thoughts of your father having been in my family’s life for the last forty some odd years. A wonderful gentleman that is and will be missed for a long time.
Sincere condolences to all in the Lindal Family. It was always such a pleasure to see Sir Walter at the Annual Meetings, he was such a kind and down to earth man.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Sir Walter’s long and productive life and amazing accomplishments are a cause for celebration just as his passing is for sorrow. I am glad I got the chance to meet him and am sincerely sorrow for his passing.
Please accept Becky’s and my sincere condloences for the loss of Sir Walter. We’ll always remember him as one heck of guy. We enjoyed his stories everytime we heard them! He was a true gentleman, friend and associate.
I am very sorry for the loss of Sir Walter. Whenever I dream of building my own home, a Lindal home always comes to mind. May you find comfort in your memories and the great legacy he left behind.
Sir Walter was a visionary who left his mark on this world and inspired all who met him. He will be missed and fondly remembered. It was a highlight in our lives to have known him. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
I am very sorry for your loss. I only met Sir Walter a couple of times, but he was a very sweet and kind man. He will be greatly missed.
To the Lindal family,
I’m sad to hear of Sir Walter Lindal’s passing. He was indeed a great man and I am honored to have known him. I will never forget him and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you all.
I had the privilege to work for him and his great company for about a year. He always made you feel appreciated.
My condolences to the family on the loss of a GREAT man. He was a person who always amazed me with his sharp memory even when mine seemed to be failing me. I will miss him.
My heart is heavy and eyes leak tears even now. I knew this was going to be a hard day….. My prayers and thoughts are with the immediate family, as well as the extended family of co-workers. I will see you again one day for my hug!!! Thanks for letting me be “one of the girls”, it was an honor!!!