Wallace (Wally) G. Putnam, age 89, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully with family by his side May 21, 2021. He would tell you, the G stands for George, Gordon, and God and don’t you forget it! Born in 1931, Jacksonville, Florida to George Arthur Putnam and Verlie Anne Rickenbaker Putnam. He later moved to Charleston, South Carolina with his mother. Wally made lifelong friends in the neighborhoods, known as “playgrounds” and in later years, looked forward to the annual Mitchell Playground Reunions, where friends would gather from all over the country to share a meal and swap lies. He was fortunate to have his mother’s employer, Edward Cronsberg, contribute to his education and pay his way to attend The Citadel, Military College in Charleston. This was the launch into a successful Air Force career for 20 years. Early in his career, he was a Navigator. This was back in the day, with no computers and everything was calculated by hand. He loved numbers and was quite good at it. He would fly regularly into Dover AFB, Delaware and mingle with many of the locals. This is where he found the love of his life, Clara Farrow. After courting for the appropriate time, he proposed on Christmas Eve 1957. While returning to their seat from communion at the Christ Church (in Dover), and kneeling, as one does in the Episcopal Church he reached for her hand, proposed and before she said yes, the choir broke into song with “HARK! The Harald Angels Sing!” The rest became history when they married the following year. In his career, Wally served at Air Force Bases all over the world. His three daughters, Katherine (Kat), Clara (Skee) and Debbie were all born during stateside assignments. When stationed in Colorado Springs, he worked in Computer Programming within the highly secure Cheyanne Mountain. Later, he was stationed at Luke AFB, near Litchfield Park. There he and his family would stay, drop roots, and retire as Major. After his AF career, he worked for the State of Arizona, Department of Corrections, programing computers, and later selling commercial real estate. A big turn came into his life, February 1984, where he joined AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). He became very involved and passionate about his sobriety, holding leadership positions, locally and nationally, throughout his 37 years. He has been able to help countless numbers of people cope and recover from this horrible disease. “Wherever you are, be there!” was his motto, meaning be fully present where you are at. A life lesson for all of us. Wally turned to community service, through his involvement with Kiwanis of Litchfield Park. Here, he started another wonderful journey, which would include his wife, Clara. They became Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for Litchfield Park’s Wigwam Hotel, circa 1989. Santa would visit special needs children, Senior Centers, Elementary Schools, and became Litchfield Park’s Santa, for Christmas in the Park and the annual parade. This was his way of giving back to the community. He never accepted compensation. He was more than happy to be present. He loved the children and loved to be in full character. When traveling during the last months of each year, he’d always wear his red outdoor jacket. Children would see him in the airports and tug on Momma’s sleeve, “Is that Santa Claus?” Without missing a beat, he’d give a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” with a twinkle in his eye. His beloved Clara passed away far too soon. For 16 years, Wally moved forward, missing her every moment. He was feisty and independent for many years. He traveled Europe with children, grandchildren, and friends. He continued his annual trek to Charleston, to see his friends from the playground and attend The Citadel Military College Homecoming. One of the highlights was when he took two of his adult grandsons (Clayton and Jeremy) back to the Homecoming with him. The guys had fun seeing Grandpa’s old haunts and learning a bit of history. He would later brag that the “boys” would put him to bed and then go out on the town at night. He thought that was great, it would have been something he would have done in his youth! The “Evening of his life” was difficult for Wally. Losing memory also means losing independence. As hard as it was, we were all so proud of him when he gave up driving. I’m sure you were too! He made it through the pandemic. He overcame the Covid virus in December. He moved to Hacienda Del Rey, where Emma and many others became his extended family. His children and their spouses visited him often. His friends and family were amazing! Lovingly supportive, they came by frequently to visit, call, or provide transportation to his meetings. He always looked forward to going on outings and ice cream! Wally is survived by his three daughters, Katherine Wood (John), Clara Betzhold (Glenn), Deborah Jury (Tom); his 6 grandchildren, Clayton (Amelia) Thompson, Stephanie (Brian) Culbreth, Kristy (Graham) Facer, Jeremy Adams, Clara Anne (Brant) Wagner and Shelby McGarry; and 10 great-grandchildren. Plus, countless extended family members and friends. We’d like to thank all his many friends and extended family for their support and outreach as we cared for Wally. Your friendship, love, communication, and passion made such a difference in his life and made his journey a little lighter. We will be forever grateful. We’d also like to thank Abrazo West nursing staff and Hospice of the Valley for their incredible kindness, compassion and caring as Wally faded from his life’s journey. Wally’s words still echo, “Be good to yourself!” Memorial services pending, in November 2021.
Posted in: pbinfo.com
Posted on: 2021-06-10
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