Walter Vliet, Sr.

Walter Douglas Vliet Sr., age 86, died February 25th, 2018 at his home in Concord, NC.

Walt is survived by his wife Molly Vliet of Concord, NC; his elder son Doug Vliet and wife LeAnn of Concord, NC and their children, Trey Vliet (and fiancée Emma Carter) of London, England, Alex Vliet Haislop (and husband Tadd Haislop) of Concord, NC and Colton Vliet of Concord, NC; his younger son Tim Vliet and wife Denise of Matthews, NC and their children, Danny Vliet of Charlotte, NC, Riley Vliet (and fiancé Patrick Higgins) of Oak Island, NC and Lindsey Vliet of Matthews, NC; his brother Ron Vliet of Colchester, CT; and Sister-in Law Ann Vliet of Kilmarnock, VA.

He is preceded in death by his father Russell Vliet and his mother Kathryn Vliet of Clinton, CT; his brother Russell Vliet of Stamford, VT; and his sister Carol Gardenhire of Orange, CA.

Walt was born October 15,1931 in Chicago, IL, to parents Russell and Kathryn Vliet. After five years of service to his country in the US Navy and Merchant Marines on the USS Warrington, he attended Georgetown University and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Foreign Service. Upon graduation from Georgetown, he accepted the position of Cost Analyst for Railroads with the Interstate Commerce Commission of the US Government, where he worked for more than 35 years.

Walt was very active in the church, where he was a deacon, teacher and leader of youth programs. He also worked with Meals on Wheels, the Korean Church, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and the bus ministry. After his retirement, he continued his volunteer work teaching English as a Second Language. He traveled to many countries teaching English and sharing his love of Christ.

A hobby of Walt’s was beekeeping, which he performed for many years. He made honey for friends, family and neighbors. His family and friends will always remember him as a spiritually kind, giving and loving father. His dry wit was one of his most interesting characteristics.

A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 (11 a.m.) at Hartsell Funeral Home — 12115 University City Blvd., Harrisburg, NC, 28075. Rev. Bob Maddox will officiate. A reception will follow at the Vliet home — 5425 Roberta Meadows Ct., Concord, NC 28027. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Walt’s life.

The family would like to thank all who have offered their love in support at this time of loss. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations honoring Walt’s work with students in English as a Second Language programs be sent to:

Briggs Center for Faith and Action – ESL

5148 Massachusetts Ave.

Bethesda, MD 20816

Phone: 301-229-7725

http://www.briggscenter.org/donate