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Dr. Walter VanHelder, M.D., Ph.D.
June 29th, 2024
Dr. Walter VanHelder, M.D., Ph.D., and 8th Degree Judo Black Belt, passed away June 29, 2024, with his family by his side.
Walter is survived by his wife of 43 years, his two children, his two grandchildren, his brother, and his beloved cats.
Walter dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him. He was a loving family man. He shared his passion and vast knowledge with others in the sport of Judo. He cared for generations of families in his community as their family physician. He contributed to the advancement of medicine with his research and as a medical professor. Walter was a dreamer and accomplished everything he set his mind to: moving to a new country, building successful medical practices, speaking eight languages, obtaining his pilot’s license, publishing a book about his cats, becoming an Arizona Ranger, building a successful martial arts dojo and producing countless national and international champions, becoming an international Judo referee, and creating a legacy and extended family through his love of Judo. Through his life’s accomplishments, Walter built a strong foundation of love and support for his family and friends to remember forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 5pm to 8pm at Legacy Funeral Home, 1374 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Arizona 85225. All are welcome, and his family would love to hear people share their favorite memories of Walter.
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Legacy Funeral Home
Legacy Funeral Home began over 20 years ago and has been a compassionate pillar of support for Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, and the surrounding areas since its establishment. Legacy is dedicated to honoring the community's diverse needs by offering a comprehensive range of customizable plans and services. Our facilities accommodate incense burning and offer a variety of memorial items and keepsakes to create a personalized tribute that resonates with the uniqueness of each individual's life. Our Spanish-speaking staff is committed to fostering clear communication and understanding, providing comfort to families in their preferred language. We stand ready to guide your family through the delicate process of saying farewell....
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