Walter C. Fales, better known as Walt, was loved by many. His infectious personality and unique quality to make everyone feel special and important will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. "Walt was a positive and generous force for good, always encouraging and giving of himself for the betterment of others" shared David Weeks.
Born in Baltimore, remaining a native, Mr. Fales attended Cardinal Gibbons, and UMBC. He resided in the Owings Mills area for 25 years with his spouse Susi Church, and remained very active in the Baltimore community.
Walt was passionate about and an advocate for music, playing and the drums till his late teens. He was the Master of Ceremonies and Ambassador for the Night of 100 ELVISes, known as the "Band Man" for its yearly fundraiser/concert/cultural event that takes place in Baltimore the first weekend in December. The event benefits JHH Children's Center and other local non-profits. For over 2 decades, Walt was the Master of Ceremonies and the media representative for the Baltimore Blues Festival,The Annie Oakley Wild West Festival, the American Roots Music Festival, Home Run for the Homeless and other charitable special events. He also was a volunteer who collected musical instruments to be refurbished and redistributed for children, to obtain through the Hungry for Music Foundation.
Walt was also zealous about education. After receiving Dale Carnegie Training, he taught Professional Development Couses for Juniors/Seniors in Baltimore on Saturdays to offer skills and training to: enhance their dreams and goals, allowing a more marketable and leadership opportunity. He received Mayoral and Gubernatorial awards for the works that he accomplished. Walt continued being an educator with Bob Cook and Buddy Bresnick through the Mid- Atlantic Dale Carnegie, Baltimore Division for 40+ years, teaching a variety of courses on a part time basis. Interested in a project a friend shared with him, Walt assisted David Week from the Glenelg Country School in Maryland Youth Partners in Change (MYPIC), a three year middle school leadership and service-learning initiative bridging cultural gaps between suburban private school students and urban public school students.
Walt worked with his long time friend, Sean Johnson of Proforma Johnson, in a full time capacity until his illness caused him to reduce his hours and finally let go of employment.
Lovingly encircled in their home by his wife of 25 years, Susi Church, his sister Veronica (Roni/Dolly) Fales Preis (Robert) and his brother, Joe Fales and his spouse, Carole. Walt transitioned on January 14, 2017. Familially, he is also survived by his niece, Lindy Preis Misiaszek (Joseph); nephew, Lance Trawick (Vicky); aunt, Connie Swanson (Craig); and great aunt Isabelle Kogut. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins are also recognized along with too numerous to mention "sisters and brothers in spirit". All of whom, Walt adamantly viewed as family.
Walt's Celebration of a Life well lived will take place at HUBBARD FUNERAL HOME, INC., 4107 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229. It will be on Sunday, January 22, 2017 beginning at 1pm. Officiating will be Rev. Kathy Jordan. At Walt's request, PLEASE, please no flowers; flowers die but music and education live on. So does Walt's spirit! Please make a donation to either of the following: Hungry for Music, c/o Walt Fales Memorial Fund, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW #384, Washington, DC 20006 or David Weeks, MYPIC Director, Glenelg Country School, c/o Walt Fales MYPIC Memorial Fund, 12793 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.