RIP Walt in Lake Placid

[kylecawazafla]

Walt's wife just posted on the main forum on an Elaeis guineensis post that he passed away in June 2025. I don't know if she is aware of this subforum so figured I would post here.

I never met Walt, however, have been following his posts on his garden since approximately 2003. He was one of the first contributors who regularly posted photos in posts, which I always appreciated because I lived in Seattle, WA at the time and loved seeing palm photos. It was fascinating learning about the difference between USDA zones in CA and FL because of him, as he would "famously" grow coconuts in USDA zone 9b! He also would share photos of his trees that would recover from seasonal frosts.  Anyways, his posts will be missed! 

[idontknowhatnametuse]

My condolences to him, definitely a legend of 9B zone pushing. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that learned a lot of things from his videos and posts even though I never personally knew him.

[bubba]

I met Walt briefly at a Fairchild Gardens palm sale over twenty-five years ago. Shortly thereafter, he began posting on the Forum.

I always greatly enjoyed his posts. They were deep and thorough, especially after a cold event. The Lake Placid area is beautiful. It is atypical of Florida in. it's rolling hills and numerous lakes. Walt identified with clinical precision the nature of his climate together with microclimates located nearby.

At the Fairchild Gardens sale, Walt was not just looking around, but was actively purchasing many many palms. while I am certain that he experienced many disappointments, he was always willing to test the edges. I can remember one time after a freeze in Lake Placid, he could only ponder how is neighbor only miles away, but on the lease side of the lake, did not lose that voluptuous Coco nucifera. Well, he learned and planted under the large oak canopy and tamed the beast.

I loved his YouTube presentations. So laid-back, articulate and cool. My heart goes out to his wife, Cathy. I am certain that she is a very special person. God bless her and Walt.

[PalmatierMeg]

So sorry to hear of Walt's passing and extend sincere condolences to his family. I always read his posts and learned a lot from him over the years. He knew his palms and willingly shared his research and knowledge with members of PT. That is rare in a place where people are unwilling to do their own due diligence or refuse to share what they have learned for the benefit of others. Why so many people avoid all semblance of self-guided learning or guidance for others makes no sense to me. Or maybe it does:  most people drop in just to troll for and scarf up "goodies" for themselves.

I've missed Walt's posts for some time now and am saddened I will never be encouraged by more of them on this mortal coil. 

[Xenon]

Beyond his famous zone-pushing, Walt wrote about and photographed the many interesting lake and topographic microclimates of Highlands county. He definitely inspired my curiosity for what could be grown there; a curiosity that finally led to a trip there last December. RIP Walt! 

[Jeff zone 8 N.C.]

Always enjoyed his posts. Hope he finds a perfect grow zone in heaven.

[Mazat]

We would like to express our deepest condolences to his wife and family.

Even before Palm Talk, we had been watching Walt’s wonderful videos on YouTube. He was a great inspiration to me and Sabine.

It seems to us that a great master has ascended to continue supporting and inspiring us all from above, including new palm enthusiasts, and to help us believe that anything is possible.

May he rest in peace ☀️🌴

[Meangreen94z]

Ouch. I’ve referenced his posts many times over the years, he will definitely be missed. Condolences to his family .

[SeanK]

On 3/31/2026 at 1:39 PM, Xenon said:

Beyond his famous zone-pushing, Walt wrote about and photographed the many interesting lake and topographic microclimates of Highlands county. He definitely inspired my curiosity for what could be grown there; a curiosity that finally led to a trip there last December. RIP Walt! 

I recall well that aspect of his conversations. 

[kinzyjr]

The passing of a great man.  RIP Walt.