Wayne Albert Bachtold

Wayne Albert Bachtold, the only child of Albert Earnest Bachtold and Lucile Wilda Colwell Bachtold, born on February 1, 1929, in the “old” Walla Walla General Hospital.

Wayne attended Walla Walla Public Schools and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1947. He was particularly proud of his participation in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps during his high school years. After one year at Washington State College, he married Kathleen Ann Clinehens on April 16, 1949, in Walla Walla at the Pioneer Methodist Church Manse.

Wayne spent his working life in the produce business for Pacific Fruit and Produce, first in Walla Walla, then Portland, Pasco, Spokane, and Othello; eventually starting his own agricultural chemical business in Othello. The Bachtolds returned to Walla Walla in 1993, where Wayne enjoyed his retirement traveling, golfing, and reuniting with old friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann in Walla Walla; his daughter, Christine Lynn Crowder (Harvey) of College Place; sons, Eric Wayne Bachtold (Terri) of Eugene, Oregon, and Bryan Jon Bachtold (Greg Layne) of Federal Way, Washington; three grandsons, Stephen Crowder, Phillip Bachtold, and Parker Bachtold; and two great-grandchildren, Brandon Bachtold and Hannah Crowder.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations to the Blue Mountain Humane Society or Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital may be made through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.