Obituary

Walter Ellsworth Linaweaver III, a devoted husband, father, and educator, passed away suddenly on July 19, 2025, in Mission Viejo, CA.  He was born May 21st, 1962, in Riverside, CA, to Dr. Walter E Linaweaver Jr. and his wife, Lydia Anne (Whitlock) Linaweaver.  He was the youngest of three children. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in June of 1985 from the University of Denver. He met the love of his life Nancy Louise Richardson while working at the Webb Schools in Claremont. They were married June 9th, 1990, in La Verne, CA. They had one son Luke Walter Linaweaver.

Walt had a passion for nurturing and supporting young people, which led him to pursue a degree in education.  He received his teaching degree in June 1992 from Cal State University, East Bay, and later a Master of Arts in Education (Chapman University, California). He launched his career in Kinston, Pennsylvania, at Wyoming Seminary.  He later enjoyed 16 years at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, working in the upper school first as a teacher and then as Assistant Principal. During that period, he also coached cross-country and track teams.  In the fall of 2010, Walt became the Head of St. Mary’s Middle School in Aliso Viejo, where he continued to shape young lives until he retired in 2021. Always welcoming, Walt was deeply loved for his positive, supportive nature. Seeing the best in each person, he made every effort to motivate and inspire them to reach their full potential. He cultivated an incredible legacy of compassion, faith, and relentless advocacy, uplifting many lives.

In his retirement, Walt maintained his dedication to service in several volunteer positions. At the Boys and Girls Club he served on the board of directors, tutored young students, and drove a van to transport children from school to the club.  While volunteering at San Clemente Animal Shelter Walt fell in love with a dog named Bear, who then became a member of the family.  Kindness and compassion were at the heart of everything he did. Walt and Nancy enjoyed many vacations exploring national parks with their family and friends, cooking, campouts, hiking, wine tasting, and touring Europe.  He was an avid sports fan, always cheering the loudest for the Broncos.

Walt was preceded in death by his mother (2005) and his father (2012). Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife Nancy, his son Luke, sisters; Cathy Pourroy and Nancy Jones, sisters in law; Sarah (Gordon) Hagena, Julie (Phil) Smith, nephews; James Pourroy, Jaden Jones and nieces; Katie (Turner) Dahl, Christina (Eric) Becerill, Theresa Jones, Cassie (Max) Ammons, Kylie Smith, Karisa (Tyson) Vogt, Hannah Hagena and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the:

Boys and Girls Club of San Juan Capistrano
or
San Clemente Animal shelter
or
St. Mary’s School, Aliso Viejo
or
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.

A memorial service will be held on September 6th at 2:00 pm. At:

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

31641 La Novia

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675