Walter L. Hilliard, devoted husband, father, grandfather and physician, passed away on February 24, 2009. Born on October 10, 1931, in Houston, Texas, Walter Lafayette Hilliard was the only son and youngest of two children.

He was preceded in death by his father (Walter), mother (Wahneta), and beloved wife of 51 years, Doris.

Walt spent his formative years in Pasadena, CA, where he attended South Pasadena-San Marino High School and was an academic all-American and outstanding all-star athlete in football and track.

In 1949, Walt traveled east to attend Yale University where he majored in History and graduated with high honors in 1953. After graduation, Walt entered the University of Southern California School of Medicine and studied until graduation in 1957. He served a one year medical internship at the Santa Fe Hospital in Los Angeles, CA.

Walt then spent the following two years as a physician in the U.S. Army and was granted a three year eye surgery fellowship in New Orleans, LA. He then went on to serve a one year medical residency in Mobile, AL. In 1965, he and his wife Doris settled in Stockton, CA, where Walt established his Ophthalmology practice and continued to serve as an outstanding surgeon and dedicated physician to his patients and the Stockton community for over 25 years.

Walt met his wife, Doris, in Los Angeles, CA, where they were married on June 7, 1957. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Austin, TX, Concord, CA, New Orleans LA, and Mobile, AL. Walt was also an active member of the American Medical Association, San Joaquin Medical Society and St. Andrews Lutheran Church.

As well as being a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Walt was an avid golfer and world-wide fly fisherman. He and his wife Doris found no greater joy than spending time with their three children and five grandchildren. Walt will be missed by all those who were fortunate to know and work with him.

Walt is survived by his loving and devoted children Mark (Louise) Hilliard, Greg Hilliard and Cathy (Erik) Buchmiller. He has left an indelible mark on the lives of his grandchildren, Stephen, Michael and Kristine Hilliard, and Grant and Reid Buchmiller. He is also survived by his loving sister Ruth (Mark) Webster and nephews Stephen (Lorraine) Webster and Craig (Ann) Webster.