Walter E. Sala

Walter �Walt� Everett Sala, 89, of Albuquerque, New Mexico and 50-year resident of Skokie, IL, passed away in Albuquerque on 30 October 2013. Walt was born in Chicago, IL on 14 September 1924 to Sophia (Makowski) and Walter H. Sala. Walt, a World War II veteran, attended Northwestern University. He was a marketing and advertising executive and president of J J Gordon Company for over 25 years. Walt married Shirley Irene English on 16 August 1948. They had four children. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and wife Shirley. Walt married Elizabeth (Blixt) Hohbein on 20 August 1993. Walt was a lover of the spoken word. Member of Toastmasters International for over 50 years, he held a variety of club positions. He was a member of the Niles Township Club #665 from 1957 � 2004 and co-founder of the Taylor Ranch Toastmaster Club in 2006. Walt loved storytelling, taking every opportunity to share a folktale or joke with anyone who listened. An active member of the Story tellers Association of Albuquerque, and participant in the Albuquerque Folk Festival, he loved visiting schools and introducing children to regional history. His interest in hypnosis in 1968 led to Walt becoming a practicing hypnotherapist in 1973. He helped found the Mid America Hypnosis Conference and served on the Board for 29 years. Walt was awarded �Hypnotist of the Year� in 2000 and received a �Lifetime Achievement Award� in 2005. Member of National Guild of Hypnotists since 1990, Walt was a faculty member and presenter 1992 � 2001. Awards included �Order of Braid� Council in 2007, induction into the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, and �Sealah� Award 21 April 2001. He formed a local chapter of NGH in Albuquerque and received Chapter of the Year in 2006. Walt was a member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, active as a lector and counter. He served two terms on the Taylor Ranch Neighborhood Association and represented the Westside Coalition. Walt is survived by his four children: Sherry (Gary) White, Marcie (Lee) Wilson, Trudi (Joe) Jordan and Kevin (Elizabeth) Sala; his grandchildren: Megan (Steve) Holzapfel, Erin Wilson, Kevin (Kassie) Wilson, Jenny Jordan, Jessie (Jeremy) Locke, Rachel Sala and Bennett Sala. His wife of twenty years, Elizabeth and her children also survive Walt: Lisa (David) Temple; Sally (Chad) Baker; Jill (Tim) Fresso; and son, Steven Hohbein.; grandchildren: Jack Temple, Nathan Baker and Theo, Tessie and James Fresso. And his sister-in-law Jeanette Marchand. A Rosary will be recited Monday, 4 November 2013 at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church; 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM. A celebration of Walt�s life will follow the service in the church�s Fellowship Hall, at 11:00 am with interment in the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. The family wishes to thank their many neighbors and friends who have offered support, meals, prayers and kind words. A heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice staff who made everything as easy as possible. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico or the Albuquerque Rescue Mission. Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192