STANKIEWICZ, JR., Walter John

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/01/2016 Walter John Stankiewicz Jr., 59, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low. He was born on a Sunday, June 3, 1956, in Brockton, Mass., to the late Walter John Sr. and Geraldine Ann (Jackson) Stankiewicz. In 1980, Walter married the love of his life, Candice Baker, in Las Vegas, Nev. Sadly, she passed away in 1987 while their children were still quite young. Of everything that Walter was during his life, above all else, he was a loving father to his children, always making sure that their needs were well cared for with an increased abundance of love. It has also been said of him, by his sister, that “he was an awesome brother.” When his granddaughter was born, he loved and doted on her the way only a grandpa could. He was so proud of his family, as each and every member of it brought him so much love, joy and happiness. Walter was a man who loved his country. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Air Force, and after several years of honorable and faithful service, he was medically retired. Blessed with an incredible intelligence and gifted mind, following his honorable military discharge, he was able to work for Lockheed Martin and Boeing as a technical writer. Walter resided many years in Lancaster, Calif., and was able to move to Arizona in 2005. It needs to be said of Walter that “he was an avid, avid Patriots fan,” even before their incredible winning streak. Walter is survived by his two children:, Samantha Lyn Stankiewicz of Lakeside and Jonathan Michael Stankiewicz; sister Deborah Ann (Chris) Gibbs both of Safford; granddaughter Destiny Lyn Baker of Rosemond, Calif.; three nephews, Patrick (Samantha) Anderson, Chase (Michelle) Gibbs, both of Safford, and Chris (Heather) Gibbs Jr. of Sandy, Utah; two nieces, Gerri Gibbs and Carena (Raymond) Bloom, both of Tucson. Walter is also survived by two very dear people whom are considered his “adopted” kids, Kim Horn of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and Joshua Robert Anderson of Lancaster, Calif. A special memorial service will take place during the spring when his family will gather to lay him to rest in the beauty of heaven’s creation atop Mount Graham, just outside of Safford. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.