Obituaries
Walter Franklin Butcher Jr., retired engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Retired Caltrans engineer Walter Franklin Butcher Jr. was born on Oct. 27, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, and earned his Angel wings on August 12, 2025, in San Diego.
Walt grew up in Kearny Mesa with his six siblings and attended Kearny High School. He served in the Army and was stationed in Monterey. After completing his service, he settled back in San Diego where he met his beloved wife, Linda Flaherty. They were married in 1960 and started their new life in Fletcher Hills.
Walt converted to Catholicism in 1960 where his lifelong friend John Adams served as his sponsor. He was a devoted Catholic and his faith was a guiding force in his life. He centered his life around family and serving others.
Walt was a self-made man, and while working for Caltrans, he studied part time at SDSU. He went on to become a civil engineer, and partner and owner of SB&O Inc.
Walt was a lifelong volunteer in many organizations; Our Lady of Grace, OLG Choir, Whispering Winds, International Relief Team, The Friendship Force, Cursillo and was inducted into the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. During his retirement he enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling the world with Linda and their best pals.
Walt is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Linda, his children: Stephanie Butcher, Allen Butcher (Barbara), Michael Stephen Butcher (Debbie), Karen Barton (Kip) and John Robert Butcher (Cece); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he was devoted to: Michael Patrick Butcher (Lauren), Steven Butcher, Lauren Barton, Nikki Butcher, John Michael Butcher, John Liam Butcher, Jadyn “Jay” Butcher, Molly Butcher, Riley Butcher, and Bradyn Butcher; his sister Nancy Ryman, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Erma Butcher, his brothers: Edward, Chuck, Ray, and Phil, his sister Mary Adam, and daughter-in-law Debbie Butcher.
Bernard Witcomb, retired bridge engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Caledonian Record (Vermont).
Retired Caltrans bridge engineer Bernard Witcomb, born March 20, 1937, died July 23 in Oakdale.
Bernard passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at his home.
He was born and raised in St Johnsbury, Vermont, and re-located to California for a position with Caltrans.
He retired after a life-long career as a Senior Civil Engineer Bridge Division.
Bernard is survived by his three sons, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Bernard is also survived by his three beloved sisters and one brother.