C. Walter Steere Obituary

C. Walter Steere, 89, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017. He was the son of the late Charles A. and Merilla Steere. He was the beloved husband of Elaine C. (Zeppa) Steere for 48 years. Mr. Steere was a lifelong Greenville resident.
Walter grew up working for his father at The Waterman's Lake Beach Club. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1945 and in his youth he played ice hockey, enjoyed sailing and also water skied.
A skilled carpenter and craftsman, he ultimately became a foreman for the G. Fred Swanson Co. for many years before retiring. He was a master builder and excellent carver, ultimately constructing the house he and his family have lived in for decades.
As President and Founder of Steere's Marina on Waterman's Lake, he created a business which became his lifelong pursuit. In addition to designing canoes and docks, Walter was passionate about boat restoration. Above all, he loved to socialize with all his marina patrons, especially the fishermen.
He later became proud of his expansive vegetable garden, growing everything from corn to pumpkins to strawberries. The flowers and landscaping that surrounded his home were his pride and joy.
But Walter was first and foremost a loving father and husband. He was a mentor and teacher to all who knew and loved him. His generosity and kindness were known among his family and his community.
Walter was the father of William J. Doyle and his wife Mittie of Dedham, MA, David W. Steere and his wife Seema Misra of Jersey City, NJ, Linda D. Grinalds and her husband Southy of Cincinnati, Ohio, Linda Horlbeck and her husband Rudy of New York, Judith Bolles and her husband Matt of Jamestown. He was the brother of Esther Steere of Johnston and the late Stephen and Raymond Steere. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Visitation Thursday, May18, 2017 from 5-7pm in the TUCKER-QUINN Funeral Home, 643 Putnam Ave., (Rt.44) Greenville, Funeral and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Greenville Public Library 573 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828.