KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Wallace Dyer Macomber, 78, of Kelseyville died on June 24, 2013, at his home, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Family and friends surrounded him.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Weston Macomber Sr. and Dora (Long) Macomber and brother Bruce Weston Macomber Jr.

He is survived by his former wife Jean Macomber; daughter, Molly Stanley of Weippe, Idaho; and son, Matt Macomber and wife Lisa of Napa, Calif.; and grandchildren, Joe and Jillian Stanley and Carson and Ella Macomber. He also leaves behind his youngest brother, Tom, and wife Anna Macomber of Kelseyville.

Wally spent most of his childhood in Lake County but graduated from Berkeley High School. He went on to attend San Francisco State University and graduated with a degree in physical education.

At this time Wally was drafted into the US Army and completed his tour to Japan finishing with an honorable discharge. Wally then obtained a master's degree in education with teaching credentials.

He began his teaching career in the Richmond School District then settled with his family in Napa, teaching high school math and science. Wally was instrumental in upgrading the driver education program for the district and retired from teaching in 2004.

A true Pittsburgh Pirates fan, Wally loved baseball but his true athletic talent was discovered at San Francisco State where he set several records in swimming and water polo. Wally attended the Olympic trials for Water Polo and his records still stood until the program was discontinued. Wally was inducted into the San Francisco State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

Besides his family, Wally had two other great passions – deer hunting and old Caterpillar tractors. He was happiest in the hot, dry Lake County brush in August, accompanied by his canine partners, and riding atop one of his “Cats” pushing dirt in the hot sun.

Wally was a man’s man, with the soul of an old Native American medicine man.

For sharing of stories about Wally visit www.bigwmacomber.blogspot.com .

A memorial celebration will be held for family and friends on Saturday, Nov. 23, at his ranch in Kelseyville. If you would like to attend please RSVP to Molly Stanley at 208-827-0663.