Obituary of Walter Maus

Walter Maus September 12, 1925 - June 14, 2017 Resident of Santa Cruz Walter Maus passed away in Santa Cruz on June 14, 2017 at the age of 91. He was born on September 12, 1925 in Boise, Idaho to Harry Maus and Eva Morrow Maus. He was the youngest of five siblings and was the apple of his mother's eye, as well as the family's next door neighbor, his aunt Inez Morrow. As the family grew older, his parents and sister moved to California and young Walt followed. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Walt attended San Jose State University, followed by Stanford University where he earned a Master's Degree in Business. Soon after he married Bonnie Luella Bourgeau and during their 15 year relationship, they welcomed three daughters. The Maus family settled in Saratoga and Walt began his teaching career in the accounting department at Foothill College in 1957. As his family grew, he also enjoyed helping the college grow, serving as President of the Faculty Association. Upon Bonnie's death in 1967, Walt became a single father to his three young daughters. Many years of laughter, tears, teenage angst and adventure followed. Walt lived life to the fullest. After retiring from teaching at age 59, traveling became his main occupation. His primary method of travel was on one of his motorcycles, but numerous train rides gave him great pleasure, including trips on the Orient Express, the Blue Train and the Trans-Siberian Railway. Other highlights of Walt's travels include cruising through the Panama Canal, an African photography safari and visiting the penguins in Antarctica. Transportation was of great interest to Walt and he attained an airplane pilot's license as well as a hot air balloon pilot's license. With over one hundred trips to his beloved Mexico, his last visit was at the age of 85, on his motorcycle and with his 23 year-long partner in love, life and adventure, late Santa Cruz resident, Pat McDonald, as co-pilot. Walt leaves behind daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Rick Kimes of Hollister, CA; daughter, Sandy Maus of Napa, CA; and daughter and son-in-law, Joy House and Gene Skic of Rochester, NY; along with grandson, Travis Kimes and granddaughter, Allie Kimes. He also leaves behind his loving companion, Santa Cruz resident, Shirley Fink, and her family as well as many local, national and international friends. No accounting of Walt's recent life would be complete without mentioning his dog, Danny, a popular resident of Dominican Oaks, often seen with Walt holding the end of his leash and Danny leading the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Eva; and his four siblings: Jack Maus, Mary Huber, Josephine Gibbons and Robert Maus; and his longtime love, Pat McDonald. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walt's name can be made to the Foothill-De Anza Foundation Scholarships by visiting https://foundation.fhda.edu/how-to-give A Celebration of Walt's Life will be held at Santa Cruz Memorial - Oakwood Chapel at 3301 Paul Sweet Rd. in Santa Cruz on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM.