Walter J. Pilch died September 1, 2000, at his beloved mountain cabin residence.
He was born June 14, 1926 in the coal mining area of Monarch to Polish immigrants John and Susie Pilch. He was raised and educated in the coal mining towns, and graduated from Sheridan High School. Walter enlisted in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, Walt attended Colorado State A&M on the GI bill. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in north central Wyoming.
In 1955, he married his loving companion of nearly 40 years, Olga Marie Legerski. Together they purchased Arrowhead Lodge and over 13 years expanded it into a thriving business. In 1968, they sold the lodge so Walt could pursue the need for an engineering and land surveying business in the Sheridan region. He started Walter J. Pilch Engineering and Land Surveying which became a prominent business in the area.
Walt’s knowledge, expertise, and honesty earned the respect of his friends, family, and business associates. In 1979, Walter accepted appointment by Governor Ed Herschler to start the Wyoming Water Development Commission. Walt served as founding chairman until his retirement. Walt was a common expert in the region for land development. Many of Sheridan’s current subdivisions were either owned or designed by him. Consequently, in 1988 Walt was named Businessman of the Year for his contributions to the real estate market.
Walt’s accomplishments and service in the region included the Perkins Foundation, two terms on the Sheridan College Board, Wyoming Water Development Commission, city and county engineer, State Board of Examining Engineers, Wyoming Engineering Society State President, and First Wyoming Bank board. In 1984, Walt was given Wyoming highest Engineering honor, being named Eminent Engineer of Wyoming by the University of Wyoming. Walt served as the commencement speaker at C.S.U. in 1984 for the college of Engineering.
Everyone who knew Walt knew of his caring and fair personality, his quick witty comments, his love of the outdoors, and his cabin on the old Bearclaw ranch. Although Walt was known to be a workaholic, his family time always came first. The tragic loss of his son Walter Jr. and Olga’s loss to a valiant battle with cancer were deep impacts in Walt’s life.
His brother John “Sonny” Pilch preceded him in death.
His surviving close family will greatly miss him; sons Mike and Tom, daughter-in-law, Cindy; granddaughters, Emily and Hilary; and Nice and Nephew Carol and Dave Pilch.
Vigil services will be 7pm Wednesday, at Kane Funeral Home. Service will be at 1pm on Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church.
Memorial may benefit Holy Name Catholic Church in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, PO Box 2004, Sheridan, WY 8280
The Sheridan Press " Sept. 2, 2000.