Walter Arthur Wilson

Walter Arthur Wilson

Walter Arthur “Art” Wilson passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 17, 2021, at the age of 97. Born in Sewickley, PA, to Walter and Ruth (Ague) Wilson, Art’s early years inspired a lifelong passion for sports of all kinds. Primarily a gymnast in high school and for 2 years at Slippery Rock State College, he was a competitive athlete in several sports.
At age 20, Art was drafted into the Army and served for 2 ½ years with the 77th Infantry Division in the South Pacific. After discharge from the military, Art earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UNM. He met and soon married the love of his life, Patricia Rose Giomi. The couple moved to Kansas City where Art completed his master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Kansas. Over the years, Art practiced physical therapy in VA hospitals and in private practice. He founded the first physical therapy clinic in Albuquerque’s Presbyterian Hospital. Much later, he earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling before finishing his work career as a Disability Adjudicator for the State of NM.
Art was always a builder at heart… a builder of houses and boats and family. He built several houses including the family’s adobe home in Tijeras, and numerous boats including a twin-keeled 24-foot sailboat and a 30 foot trawler. Above all, he was a family man. Whether sailing together at Elephant Butte, playing games, or attending their children’s various sporting events, Art and Patsy lovingly raised their four children with a strong sense of family.
Known for his quick wit and fun-loving sense of humor, Art had a never-ending repertoire of jokes. His penchant for joking entertained (and sometimes mildly embarrassed) young and old alike.
In their retirement years, Art and Patsy continued to enjoy boating, traveling in their camper trailer, and supporting their grandchildren in a variety of sporting events and other activities. For the last six years, they have enjoyed life among friends in the retirement community of Manzano del Sol.
As a WWII veteran, Art had the privilege of attending an Honor Flight celebration in Washington, D.C. in 2017.
Art is survived by Patsy, his beloved wife of almost 72 years; their four children, Laurie Ashcraft (Ron), Denise Thrash (Jim), Britt Wilson (Kathy), and Amy Turner (J.R.); 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Brady.
A Christian memorial service and celebration of his life and legacy is being planned for the spring. Interment of ashes will take place in the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to American Patriot Service Corp,
3634 Rio Rancho Blvd NE Suite 201 B, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.