Walter Andrew Riddell, 72, passed away on July 14, 2022. Born and raised in Petaluma, California, Walt was the second oldest child of 4 to parents Robert and Ruth Riddell. He grew up on the family ranch outside of Petaluma, California, hunting, fishing, and helping around the ranch. Always a hard worker, he started working at age 12 on a neighbor’s chicken farm. He attended and graduated Petaluma High School, Class of 1967, where he met the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Marlene Bettinelli Riddell. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1967 and proudly served his country for 6 years. Walt, Marlene, and daughter, Wendy moved to Vacaville in 1974. Walt had learned to drive semi-trucks while still in high school from his friend John Shoemaker. Walt absolutely loved being out on the road, talking to friends from all over the world on his CB radio; his handle “Rolaid Kid”.

Walt loved reading, surfing (Bolinas, Stinson, Santa Cruz, Hawaii, and Mexico), windsurfing, waterskiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting small nuisance animals, which threatened livestock at various friend’s ranches, camping in their 5th wheel trailer, cooking BBQ and Mexican food (particularly tacos). Following his retirement in 2005, Walt and Marlene combined many favorite things and drove their truck and 5th wheel from Vacaville to Punta Mita, Mexico (near Puerto Vallarta) to camp on the beach for 4 months. There were many wonderful camping trips with the family and friends over the years, including summers at Lake Mendocino, numerous winters in Yuma, Arizona, and a 5-month cross-country trip where the family spent Christmas and New Year’s 2015 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Whenever they weren’t traveling, Walt was Fan #1, sitting in the stands or on the sideline for the 100s of baseball and soccer games played by his grandkids over the years. He was a wonderful and beloved “Poppy” and taught his grandkids how to shoot safely, kayak, camp, paddleboard, and enjoy the outdoors. Walt was always striking up conversations with everyone around him and enjoyed talking with folks in the neighborhood, everyone at the many family/friend parties, and wherever he traveled. He was intelligent, thoughtful, as well as handy (building his outdoor patio cover, laying brick, landscaping).

Walt was an optimist and warrior until the end, believing he would beat the odds of cancer, which he did, by living 2 years beyond his diagnosis with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in July 2020. Walt loved to live and by his incredible strength and will, fought to be here for his family as long as he could. He was a man dedicated to his convictions with a strong love for his family and friends.

He was grateful, from the bottom of his heart, for the love, support and care he received from Kaiser Vacaville, Hospice, and his family. He died peacefully with loved ones by his side and is survived by his wife Marlene, daughter Wendy, son-in-law Tom, their children Kayden, Mia, Grant, and grandchildren (of Kayden and Jordan) Marin and Hazel, sister Sandy (Art), brothers Tom, and Eric (Michelle), and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. Walt will be missed and forever remembered for the many wonderful times we’ve all shared with the man who loved life.

A memorial will be planned for a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.

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