Malcolm E. Walton

Bellingham, WA Malcolm (Mal) Edward Walton, 81, was called home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2014. Born on September 14, 1933 in Oklahoma City, OK, Mal was the first child of Lawrence and Ruby Walton and growing up, was known as Ed, Bud or Curley to his family and friends. He lived with his family in a humble home and learned his work ethic as a youngster, shining shoes, delivering newspapers, selling concessions, and setting pins at a bowling alley. Upon graduation from Central High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and while stationed on Guam during the Korean, he played for the Air Station Whidbey Flyers. While stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Station, Mal met Irene Wolfe in Vancouver, B.C. They married in 1954 and moved to Oklahoma City. Mal signed with the Pittsburg Pirates organization and played as an infielder from 1955-58 advancing as high as Class AAA in the Pacific Coast League. In the offseason, he attended Central State University to earn his teaching degree. Mal, Irene and first-born son, Monte, moved to Bellingham where he played for the Bellingham Bells from 1959 – 1967, earning state MVP honors in 1964. At the age of 26, he was hired to teach business classes and coach football, basketball and baseball at Bellingham High School. He taught at BHS for 30 yrs. He came out of retirement to coach baseball at Mount Baker High School for 4 years. Mal coached the Bellingham American Legion Post 7 baseball team for 11 years, leading the team to six league championships, a fourth-place finish at state in 1978 and a runner-up performance in 1984. He also coached the Bellingham Bells for five seasons. When Mal’s grandsons began playing baseball, he founded the Whatcom County Pony League where he served as president, giving the community an opportunity to play in a more competitive level of baseball. Over the years he coached thousands of young athletes and taught them about the value of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. He felt that the most important aspect of his coaching was being able to help young athletes have the chance to go on to higher education. Mal was honored by his peers when he was inducted into the Washington State American Legion Hall of Fame in 2012 and into the Washington State Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. Other honors included the Official Meritorious Award/WIAA State Basketball Officials. Mal was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob, Donald, Larry Dean and sisters Pauline and Jean. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 yrs, Irene, brother, Lawrence (Carmelita), sons, Monte (Aileen), Ron (Shawna), grandsons Scott (Sareth) and Matt, granddaughters Amber (Brandon), Holly (Justin) and Brianna, five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Mal was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Mal’s family wishes to express our gratitude to Whatcom Hospice for their loving compassion for Mal in his final days. Farewell Tribute Information A memorial service is planned for September 29th, 3:00 pm at Christ the King Church in Bellingham, WA. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Whatcom Hospice and/or Albert J. Hamilton American Legion Post #7 Baseball.

Malcolm E. Walton

September 14, 1933 - September 18, 2014