Walter C Irwin

Rhinebeck- Walter C. Irwin III, 75, passed away on March 10, 2018 at Vassar Brother’s Medical Center.

Born in Long Island on September 30, 1942, he was the son of the late Walter and Hilde (Anker) Irwin Jr.

In 1964, he married the love of his life Ruth Gallaway. The two worked together as Christian Youth Ministers in Long Island before relocating to Rhinebeck where Walter owned and operated Northern Dutchess Lock. The “Lock Doc’s” mission was “to be a locksmith and to love people”. Ruth passed away in 2016 after a 25 year illness in which Walter stood by her side devoted to taking care of her.

A kind and gentle soul, Walter was most known in our area for his sweet disposition and willingness to listen. He gave everyone attention; was never in a hurry to rush a conversation which always ended in “I love you” and a warm hug. He also had a way with words; him and his daughter Naomi were poets and writers in the community. He will be greatly missed.

Walter is survived by his daughter Naomi and her husband Tony Fata of Red Hook; grandchildren Malachi, Aryana, and Gianni; a sister Joan and her husband Erwin Grant of Scotia; his niece Debbie and her husband Richard; many nieces and nephews; as well as a great many friends in the Rhinebeck area.

Calling hours will be held at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 West Market St., Rhinebeck on Wednesday March 14, 2018 from 4PM to 7 PM.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 17 at 11am at the Baptist Church in Rhinebeck.

Walter will be laid to rest next to Ruth at St. John’s Cemetery in Upper Red Hook, privately.

Memorial Contributions can be made to www.christianresourceministry.com/donate/

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