DANIELL, Walter (Doc) Charles

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona 01/15/2010 Walter 'Doc' Charles Daniell died Jan. 9, 2010. Walter (Walt, Dad, 'Doc') was born Sept. 14, 1944, to Levora Eagar and Charles Butler Daniell in Phoenix. He graduated from the University of Arizona and was a lifetime Wildcat fan and longtime booster. He received his M.D. from the University of Colorado at Denver and entered the Army as a physician, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Initially stationed in Honolulu, a transfer to Beaumont Army Hospital brought him to El Paso in1975. He established an active obstetrics and gynecology practice in El Paso and for 25 years delivered many thousands of babies. As a volunteer at the Newark Methodist Maternity Hospital in the 80s, he provided free medical and birthing care. Walt was a doctor to his core and sacrificed greatly to help others in and out of the hospital. He was an avid runner and completed numerous marathons, ultra-marathons and triathlons. He was deeply involved in swimming as an athlete, an official and supportive parent, even acting as the team doctor for the Fort Bliss Sand Sharks and Water Ranch swim teams. Walt was tremendously generous with his time, money and love and was a father figure and mentor to many. He had a big heart, brilliant mind, kind soul and a charming, warm, and infectious smile. Walt always abided by his principles and he loved to debate and discuss politics and current events with family and friends. Walt is survived by his wife Pat Conn; brother Malcolm Daniell; sister Sheridan Smith, children Heidi Gerton (Jason Henderson), Stephanie Whitwell (Jason), Bill Daniell (Shelley), Jordan Gerton (Brenda Mann), Chuck Daniell, Christopher Harmes (Katie); grandchildren Juaquin, Nathan, Hailey, Tanner, Cameron, Marina, Kai, Callum, Sada and beloved pets Scooter, Rupert, Rick and Bubba. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, first wife Sherry Sheffield and son-in-law Chad Vojtas. He loved his family tremendously. "We will forever love him in return. We are deeply grateful to the staff at Providence Memorial Hospital, particularly his nurses, Miguel and Robert and doctors in the ICU ward." An open house in celebration of his life was held Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 at Walt and Pat's home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Walt's name to the University of Arizona Swim Team (Send checks to UofA Foundation, with "Swimming Tribute to Walt Daniell" in the memo line, 1111 N. Cherry Ave, P.O. Box 210109, Tucson, AZ 85721). Services were entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912.