Walter D. Tatum

Walter Tatum passed away peacefully, Wed. morning ,August 31, 2011. He is survived by his loving, longtime girlfriend, Coma Cummings, children, Peggy Hicks of Fontana, Ca., Andrew Wooley, Tsinik Adams, Vennoy Robinson, & Norase Robinson all of Tacoma WA, grandchildren Robert Johnson, David Johnson, Brandy Johnson & Quimbie Jackson all of Tacoma, WA, special friends, Gilbert & Roberta Myers and numerous friends & family members, locally and around the world, many of whom we were unable to contact. Walter was born on April 20, 1931 to Blakes & Wilhemina Tatum on the west coast of Panama, just north of the Panama Canal and raised in St John, US Virgin Islands. He had 2 brothers, Robert & Earnest and 2 sisters Wilhemina & Ernestina. Walter went to sea at 17 as a seaman on an oil tanker, MS Esso Oil and became a cook. Walter sailed the world & has children worldwide. He sailed until 1973 when he began longshoring in Los Angeles, California. He moved to Tacoma in 1977 & began to longshore with ILWU Local #23 until diabetes forced him to retire. After retirement, Walter kept his bonds with all his waterfront buddies and even got involved in the Governors race in 2004. At 6'5",while towering over the future governor, he shook her tiny hand & told her " Now when you become Governor, don't forget us little people". She never forgot it & even sent him a get well letter when he was recovering from surgery. Many thanks for the excellent care Walter received from the caring staff at Orchard Park Health Care during his final 3 yrs. of life. Walter's request is that he be scattered at sea. Please join us for a celebration of Walter's journey through life at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 4818 Portland Ave, Tacoma, Wa. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 at 1pm with a reception afterward.