Stephen Robert Walter

Stephen Robert Walter

Aka “ The Nut Farmer”

October 28, 1947 – June 29, 2019

At his request, no services will be held for Stephen R. Walter, aka “The Nut Farmer”, 71, of North Bend. Private cremation rites were held at Ocean View Memory Gardens in Coos Bay.

Stephen was born on October 28, 1947 in Fresno, California to Stephen O. Walter and Betty Jane ( Retzloff ) Walter. He passed away peacefully at home, with his family at his side, on Saturday, June 29, 2019 in North Bend.

Steve spent his childhood between Central and Southern California as well as summers in Las Cruces, New Mexico on his grandparent’s cattle ranch. After graduating from high school in San Diego, he joined the Army, serving two tours in Vietnam, earning two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He returned home to Ceres, California where he began a 40+ year career as a nut broker. Steve was very proud to say that he brokered million dollar deals, always making sure the farmer came first. Upon his retirement in 2004 to North Bend, he managed to bring the Central Valley of California to the Central Coast of Oregon as the “Nut Farmer” sprang to life. He was a permanent fixture at the Saturday Farmers Market in the Pony Village Mall and during the summer, at the Wednesday Farmers Market in downtown Coos Bay. Steve was thrilled to be able to provide the freshest walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and dried fruit to locals and tourists alike.

Steve is survived by his longtime companion, Sherry Richards, of North Bend; daughter, Amberly Walter and her husband Christopher Ruiz of Sacramento, CA; sisters, Vicki Houston and Deidra Sousa; and brothers, Doug Walter and David and Dan Ward.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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