Walter C. Derthick 92 passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2015. He was born on August 29, 1922, the only child of Jule and Jessie Derthick of Waukesha, Wisconsin. He received a BA in English and music from Carroll University and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He taught high school English in his early career years. For twenty five years he sold pianos and organs at Flanner & Hafsoos Music House in Waukesha. Among his many other accomplishments, he was a piano and organ teacher, church organist, choir director, piano and harpsichord tuner and repairer, and music critic. In 1980 Walter moved to Florida. He continued to tune pianos, giving private lessons, and playing the church organ in various Central Florida churches. He retired from playing a couple of years ago, after playing for the 8 am service at Maitland Presbyterian Church for many years. Walter was "Mr. Classical Music". He was a collector of sheet music, cd's, and vinyl records. In the last few years he began to study religion and theology. His favorite pastime was to listen to classical music while reading the vast number of books he was purchasing. In 2013, Walter decided to share his love of books with his church by donating his library, and continuing to donate newly purchased books after he read them, giving MPC an entire library of current titles.
Walter's memorial service will take place at Maitland Presbyterian Church on April 29, 2015 at 10 am.