The family of Walter Samenfeld is sad to announce his passing on Friday, Oct. 6, 2000.

Walter was born (June 15, 1916) and raised in Los Angeles.

He returned to Los Angeles after marine service (1933-37) aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma in the Panama Canal, and met his sweetheart Eleanor. They were married for 56 years.

He was known for his work ethic and for carpeting some of the biggest jobs in the San Diego area, including the Broadway shopping center, The Stardust, and the May Co., among others.

His carpet business was very successful until his retirement in the early 1980s. He raised his family in Crestline, then moved to Oceanside.

In the late 1960s, he enjoyed coming to Idyllwild and riding horses. He continued visiting Idyllwild with his family in the 1970s.

Walter had residences in Oceanside and Idyllwild before moving to Idyllwild full-time in the early 1990s.

He missed his wife terribly since her death nearly 3 years ago. He was also consoled at Jan's Red Kettle by daughter Emily or by driving his red Oldsmobile to the laundry with his dog Kish.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 53-830 Tollgate Rd., on Friday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m.

The Samenfelds are survived by daughter Emily and her husband Mike Pearson; daughter Waldene and her husband Dennis Lacey; and two other daughters. Walter had five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Tree Monument that Walter loved to gaze at.