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Haskell -- Walter J. Haskell, passed away on May 6, 2001. Born October 5, 1923 in the back seat of a taxi cab on a ferry boat in San Frnacisco Bay, California. He was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles and sisters, Ora Faye and Lavon Haskell. Walter joined the Navy in 1940, serving first in China, later in the Pacific as a torpedo man. After six years of service he left California to visit his sister in Wyoming but was inadvertently detained in New Mexico and so loved it here, he made it his home. In 1950, he married Nancy J. England and together they had three children, Donald J. Haskell, San Diego, Colleen J. Haskell of Edgewood, and Barbara J. Ryan of Greenville, SC. He worked at Sandia National Laboratories as a design engineer and retired after 25 years. Not enjoying retirement, he then worked for Missouri Research and Los Alamos Labs. When he retired completely from that career in 1985, he worked as a farrier, a field he had begun part time some years earlier because of his great love of horses. He continued shoeing horses until reluctantly quitting at age 71. Walter had a passionate love of life and people and an indominable spirit of adventure which brought him many interests, experiences and countless friends. He enjoyed racing motorcycles and target shooting as a young man in California, his interest in New Mexico expanding to hunting big game, trail riding, mountain man rendezvous, cross country skiing and riding with the Juan Tomas Hunt Club. He became huntsmen for the Juan Tomas Hounds, served enthusiastically from 1985 to 1990 and was awarded a lifetime honorary membership. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA and had been a member of MENSA, Morgan Horse Club, Carriage Club and North American Trail Ride Conference. Being an avid reader, wonderful conversationalist and witty humorous, he always had an interesting and entertaining story to tell. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends, old and new alike. Walter is survived by his loving wife, Audrey; son, Donald; daughters, Colleen and Barbara; grandchildren: Jason, Brittney and Aaron; nephews, Art and Tom Chapman; sister-in-law Joy Taylor and her family. A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at 11:00 a.m., June 9th, 2001 at 246 Angus Rd, a private home in Corrales. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tidman Therapy Services, 521 Vineyard Rd NE, Alb., 87113. This is a program where his wonderful horse, Rico, now joins with physical therapists assisting physically and mentally challenged children face and overcome their difficulties. Walt was my teacher, my jokester, my joy, my love. I will miss him terribly. But as I remember him and his stories, the things he taught me and the little notes he use to leave me, I will laugh and cry and smile, glad that I got the chance to be his friend, his wife, his cohort in jokes and in life. Walt is now the caring, helpful punster, horseman, mountainman, huntsman, genius and storyteller he once was. Free at last to wonder the hills and mountains and deserts of heaven. I will always remember and adore you honey. Love, Audrey.
        Published on: Sun May 20, 2001