Born March 8, 1927 in Portville, he was the first child of Gerald and Ernestine (Cornish) Walden. On September 26, 1947, he married, Ruth Evelyn Walker at the Chrystal Church in Millport, PA., she predeceased him on October 29, 1914.
The family moved to Dalton, where he attended Nunda Schools. At age 17, before he graduated, he enlisted in the United States Army. Vic traveled to Fort Gordon GA., by train to complete his basic training before being shipped to Germany during WWII. When his unit arrived, they were all on the parade grounds receiving their instructions as to where they would be stationed. As the last soldier still standing before the commander, Vic, said, “Sir, you never called my name, where am I to go?” The commander said, “Well, right now, somewhere you are listed as AWOL, son!” A colonel standing with them said, “I need a driver and you’re going to be it!”
Three years later, Vic returned home and married Ruth, fondly known as Bootie. He went to Jamestown to complete his GED, which he received from Lee Frair at Portville Central School. He began working for Niagara Mohawk (National Grid) while living in Wellsville. After the birth of his first two children, Vic was transferred to the Olean station. He retired from Niagara Mohawk in 1984. While working, he built three houses in Portville for his family to live in. A fourth house he built after retirement where he and Ruth retired to. He also helped his son, Terry and daughter, Gloria to build houses for them.
Anyone who knew Vic liked him. He was well known for his love of family, jokes, stories, and musical talents. He played the guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and sometimes even the harmonica. After coming home from war, Vic joined Dick Fischer’s Band in Wellsville and played at many venues unitl the band broke up. In later years, and until his death, along with his brother Jim on sax, sister Mona on piano, best friend Orv on guitar or fiddle, daughter Gloria on piano and son Terry on bass, he played around the area as the Walden Family Band. Once Jim and Dave passed away, Vic continued to play in places closer to home with Terry and Gloria. He played his guitar every day at home with Terry and Gloria until Terry died and then with Gloria until two days before he passed.
Vic had many hobbies: he loved listening to his daughter Judy play her classical piano. He loved being in the woods with son, Terry cutting wood for his and Ruth’s and Terry and Chris’ winter supply. He started granddaughter Charity into the world of horse-attending, trailering, and assisting in the show ring. He loved watching his grandsons Shaun, Shannon, and Lee play sports and loved it when Marshal learned to play guitar by watching grandpa on his phone videos. He was so proud of all his children and grand kids.
He was a member of the River’s Edge United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee for many years. He served for 10 years on the Portville Chestnut Hill Cemetery board. He gave his war staries and a few items to the WWII museum in Eldred, PA.
Vic is survived by daughter, Gloria (Bruce) Burton; daughter-in-law, Christine Walden; five grandchildren, Shaun (Krystal) Burroughs, Shannon Michael (Lauren) Burroughs, Marshal (Brandon) Walden, USAF MSgt Lee (Jessica) Walden, and Charity Burton; great grandchildren Alexa and Nicholas Burroughs, Benjamin and Evelyn Mathews. Former son-in-law, Michael (Debbie) Burroughs. His sister, Mona (Robert) Pettit, sister-in-law, Patricia M. Walden; and many nieces and nephews, and life time friend, Ruth Rossman of Wellsville.
In addition to his wife of 63 years, she was predeceased by his daughter Judy (Michael) Burroughs; one son Terry Walden; and two brothers, James Walden and David Walden.
Many thanks to the Olean Medical Group, Dr. Gary Carl, and the staff of HomeCare and Hospice special aid, Cindy Hitchcock, the VA Jamestown Home Based Primary Care Medical providers, Tammy Buzzard and Joanne Hitchcock for their wonderful care in his later years.
Friends will be received at the River’s Edge United Methodist Church on Saturday (May 22, 2021) from 11am until noon, at which time a memorial service will begin at noon. Rev. Dawn Quesenberry will officiate. Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can made to the River’s Edge United Methodist Church, PO Box 287, Portville, Chestnut Hill Cemetery Association, PO Box 517, Portville, the Kinney Hose Co., PO Box 601, Westons Mills, or the Portville American Legion Post 841, PO Box 469, Portville.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.