Wallace McMaster

Wally was born on Sept. 19, 1924, in Havre, Mont., and was a longtime resident of Spokane, Wash., where he passed away at his home on July 12.

One of seven sons born to Hiram and Jesse Pope McMaster, Wally was raised in Havre, and graduated from high school in Great Falls, Mont. He served in the U. S. Air Force during World War II and completed pilot training during his enlistment.

On Sept. 6, 1947, Wally married Irene Ludwig in Rudyard, Mont. They were married for 64 years.

Upon the completion of his military service, he began his higher education in Havre and then transferred to the Montana School of Mines, now Montana Tech, where he earned an engineering degree in metallurgy. After graduation, Wally and his young family moved to Spokane, Wash., to begin a lifelong career with Kaiser Aluminum. He held positions at the Mead, Wash., Anglesey, Wales, and Ravenswood, W. Va. plants. When he retired, Wally returned to Spokane to enjoy his many interests of which fishing on the coast was his favorite.

Wally is survived by his wife, Irene Ludwig McMaster; along with his children and their spouses, Joann McMaster, Jerry (Kathy) McMaster, Don McMaster, Teresa (Charlie) Forsman, Karen (Randy) Kerr, Lisa McMaster, Mark (Tammy) McMaster and Tim (Jenny) McMaster. He is also survived by his brother, Robert McMaster; 25 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a large, loving extended family.

Wally was preceded in death by his son, Paul (Chris) McMaster in 2010.

A private gathering of his family and friends celebrated his love of life on Sunday, July 15, 2012. A private family graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery was held on Friday, July 20, 2012.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations made in Wally's memory be sent to Hospice of Spokane which provided wonderful caring support to both Wally and his family.