Walter C. Lightner, Jr.

Walter C. Lightner, Jr., a 50-year resident of San Rafael, passed peacefully on October 11, 2017 after a courageous battle with multiple health issues. Born in Sacramento on June 14, 1933 and raised in San Francisco, Walt attended Laguna Honda Grammar School, Lowell High School and San Francisco City College, before serving in the U.S. Navy.

His career began in banking before working many years in sales for Liggett & Myers and later with North Coast Distributors in San Rafael where he retired in 1999. In retirement, he traveled extensively with Gloria, his wife of 55 years. He was a member of the SIR’s, 49er Booster Club, Italian Athletic Club, and the Old Timers Athletic Association. He also continued to enjoy his passion for Bay Area sports teams that had roots in his upbringing and his years as a 49er’s usher at Kezar Stadium.

He is survived and remembered with love by Gloria, their children Walter Lightner III, Lisa Lightner, Jennifer Flax (Craig), and his sister, Carol King (Jack). Extended family, including sister-in-laws Lois Davis (Bob - dec. 2006) and Elaine Wiebke (Clarence), stepgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews were also a special part of his life.

He truly loved people and was most happy sharing time with family and friends. He often hosted parties and gatherings that he never wanted to end and famously told guests they were “his prisoners” and that “they would be staying a while longer.”

He loved music, especially jazz, big band, and Sinatra, and was an aficionado who could name any tune or artist of his generation.

His love of sports and entertainment was epitomized on his “wall of fame” in photos of himself with professional athletes and celebrities, but his character shined in his love for his family and his sincere interest in others, no matter their profession or status.

Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at St Isabella’s Church in San Rafael followed by a reception at Smith Ranch Golf Club.