Walter "Walt" Joseph Beery

Walter Joseph Beery passed into eternity the evening of April 8th, 2024.  Walter had greatly improved in his lifelong struggle with alcohol and substance abuse.  While he had improved, that lifestyle had taken a toll, and his body gave up. His passing comes as a shock to all who love him.  We are comforted to know that his passing was peaceful and natural, and that Walter had no fears of the next step in this great and miraculous journey.

Walter was the third of four children born to Edward L Beery and Judy Carol Leigh Beery of Littleton CO on March 20th, 1963.  Both Edward and Judy preceded Walter into eternity in 2007 and 2013 respectively.  Walter grew up surrounded by his immediate family.  His maternal grandmother, paternal grandmother and grandfather, three sets of aunts and uncles, and eight close cousins, all lived in the Denver metro area. The family spent a great deal of quality time together celebrating all the gifts of this life; from birthdays, to weddings, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and summer holidays; to Bronco games, family game nights, and any other reason to get together.

A naturally curious child, Walter delved into electronics at a young age, building radios and exploring God’s creation.  Walter’s gift of high intelligence led him to lose interest in the slow pace of the education system, which he abandoned at the age of sixteen in pursuit of music.  An electric guitar, bought by his older brother Jim, captured his attention.  He spent countless hours learning everything he could and practicing day and night. Walter became a virtuoso guitar player and an any-instrument-you-have-available musician.  That interest in music led him to his first band: A ‘garage’ cover tunes band named “White Fox” that included several University of Denver music students and Walter - the youngest member of the band at the age of 17. “White Fox” performed in around the DU area for a few years in the early 1980’s.

Walter’s musical skills extended into music recording and a desire to move on from cover songs to original music.  A new three-piece band was created with Walter on guitar, Greg Lynn of Boulder, CO on bass and Walter’s younger brother on drums.  The three lived, played, and worked on music together from 1983 to late 1985.  A summer spent driving to Alaska and back led to the decision that a new path was needed.  That led to the formation of “Fire by Friction” studios in Boulder, CO.  Walter served as the studio manager, engineer, and producer, while his younger brother was the ‘finance guy’. “Fire By Friction” had some solid performers in its orbit including “The Samples,” “Big Head Todd and The Monsters” and others.  Walter went on to produce “The Samples” first album, released in 1989, at Colorado Sound Studios in Westminster CO.

Walter’s exploration of the world included the exploration of drugs and alcohol.  That exploration was unmanageable and led to serious challenges for Walter.  Exceptionally charismatic, Walter maintained many relationships throughout his life.  A key long-term relationship was with an ex-girlfriend from Boulder Colorado.  Walter became a friend of her new family and went on to live with and participate in the family’s activities which included family game night; just like he had as a child.  Walter lived with the family and took care of the property and pets when the family travelled.  Walter’s first family is exceptionally grateful for the kindness his Boulder family showed him.

Walter is survived by his three siblings; Sue, Jim, and Ed; his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and his Boulder CO family; Holly, Joseph, Keira, and bandmate Greg.

Rest in His peace dear brother.  The struggles of this world are behind you.  The veil has been lifted, the love so many have for you now clear to your eternal eyes.

Memorial service:
10:30 AM, April 25th, 2024
St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
6673 W. Chatfield Ave.
Littleton, CO 80128

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