STARS IN THE SKY VALLEY: Monroe retiree says secret is staying active, volunteering

By Valeria Rae

Unlike many of us transplants, Wally Armstrong was born right here in his family home on Wagner Hill in Monroe. Wally, now 84 years young, has lived all but four years in Monroe. Those four he served in the Army.

As a young lad of 16, Wally worked for his cousin driving logging trucks part time until the principal of Monroe High School determined he needed to make a decision between school and being a logger. Wally chose logging until the following fall when he joined the service with his cousin and two friends.

Wally enjoyed his years in the Army. He was trained in auto mechanics and surveying- instrument repair. He said his mother was thrilled to receive his first test paper with an "A' on it from automotive school. She had never seen one of those before! He also spent 15 months in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

While in the service, Wally realized that in order to get ahead in life, he needed to complete his high school diploma. Upon returning to civilian life, he re-enrolled as a junior at Monroe High School. There he met Jessie. They were married the following June and both continued their education through graduation.

In addition to attending classes, Wally drove the shuttle bus between the junior high and high schools four times a day, also holding down a regular bus route. While the other seniors were off on their end-of-the-year trip, he and Jessie reroofed the shed at Park Place.

The next year Wally's uncle gave him a recommendation to Burlington Northern Rail Road. He went to their headquarters in Seattle, was hired as a fireman and began his training that same day.

Wally spent the next 37 years in switching yards from Everett to British Columbia, firing up the big engines and moving them into position to hook up with freight, oil and other cars that constantly came through the yards. He retired at 62 and began his second career in community service.

A longtime Red Wing pottery collector, Wally earned a position on the board of directors for the Red Wing Collector's Society, which he held for 10 years. As the representative at large, Wally traveled several times to Minneapolis for meetings and to assist in event organizing. Still a member, Wally plans to attend the convention this summer.

Wally also taught the AARP Drivers Safety Program for 14 years at the East County Senior Center. He continues his support of the senior center whenever he can, which includes flipping pancakes one Saturday each month.

Currently Wally is the vice president of the Monroe Historical Society, the Lions Club and the Tualco Grange, and also conducts tours at the Paul Allen Museum of Flight. Active in all these organizations, Wally is particularly focused on the Lions Club's efforts to impact the incidence of Type I diabetes in children.

When asked about the changes that have occurred in the valley over the years, Wally spoke about an event that most residents don't recall, that of the end of the Milwaukee Rail Road line. These trains passed through Monroe and then turned south over a covered bridge spanning the Skykomish river and on to Duvall and points south. The bridge, about a half mile east of the Lewis Street Bridge, remained standing for many years but was eventually dismantled. A depiction of this landmark can be seen painted on the wall of the Main Street Caf+¬ by local muralist David Hose.

Devoted Monroe natives, Wally and his wife, Jessie, were married for 49 years and had four boys, two of which survive, and seven grandchildren. Jessie passed in 2003. Wally recalls with fondness how he signed her report cards and sick notes for school after they were married, when she was just 18.-á

When asked to share a little known fact about himself, Wally related an experience he had a few years ago while traveling back from visiting the Spruce Goose in Oregon. He was approached by two men in the parking lot at Multnomah Falls and asked to share his thoughts on the weather conditions. Later that evening in a hotel in The Dalles, Oregon, he was amazed to see himself on the news.

Wally's advice to those retiring is to stay involved. Volunteering and serving one's community is good way to maintain an active and satisfying life. His cheerful presence and valued contributions are recognized and appreciated. Thank you, Wally!