Walt Gervais, 87, RIP

[denny]

Walt Gervais died this morning, age 87, at home in Massachusetts.

Walt`s remarkable eventing career didn`t begin until he was in his mid 50s, when he learned to ride on his daughter`s horse.

He won his first novice event at age 69, moved up to training level at age 70, then to preliminary at 72, and at age 75 Walt competed in his first long format 3-day at Bromont.

He was still riding into his 80s.

Walt had been a boxer in the Navy during WW2, was 25th in the 1946 Boston Marathon, and was a life long athlete.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and by 2 daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren,

[Fence2Fence]

I'm so, so sorry.

His story--and his pic on the back of the omnibus---was so inspiring.

[RiverBendPol]

Oh Denny, I am so sorry. What a huge loss. Walt was a terrific character with wisdom beyond borders and a twinkle always in his eye. Would that we all might continue riding well into our 80's! I didn't know him well but know how very fond you 2 were of each other. What you didn't mention in your post is that you were the one who got him to that Bromont CCI*, with a wisdom all your own.
God's speed, Walt. Thanks for the memories.:sadsmile:

[SevenDogs]

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Walt about 13 years ago -- he was competing at Prelim at an event I attended. What an amazing individual and frankly, just a really special guy. He is someone that exemplified all that is great about the sport of Eventing.

My condolences to his family -- both those actually related to him and those in his eventing family!

[nadasy]

I'm so sorry to read this Denny. I first met Walt at your farm in VT, and then in NC. Such a great guy, and one with incredible energy.
Regards,
Dinah

[riderboy]

Very sorry to hear of his passing. I did not know him but knew of him. Denny, is he the guy whose family tried to talk out of going prelim but he went anyway? The way you tell the story is so funny. I wish I had known him.

[cyriz's mom]

I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

I never met him, but enjoyed hearning stories about him from Denny.

I know how much he will be missed.

What a great life he lived. We should all be so lucky!

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

If there is a heaven, now they have someone to do some heavy lifting, and keep things running smoothly! Regards to Joyce, and to all who knew and loved Walt.

How did you two find each other, Denny? Was it crusty New England love at first sight, or did you grow on each other?

[Hilary]

I'm so sorry. What a wonderful story though, and yes, let's hope we all are able to take on such new challenges at the ages he did.

[Joan from Flatlands]

What a sad day! I knew Walt when I was growing up at Palmer River in Rehoboth as a kid long before he was working for you - great man - amazing working - will be missed by many!

Joan from Flatlands

[cinnabar]

Denny, thanks for posting. I feel privileged to have met Walt. He will be missed by so many.

[RAyers]

Ever since first learning about Walt, he has been an inspiration to me. What a life!

Reed

[RunForIt]

thanks for posting Walt's passing, Denny. Walt has been and will continue to be my hero ...real people need to be cherished, and I know you have Walt as he has you all these years. Please pass on all our thoughts and prayers to Walt's family.

Lynda

[carolinagirl191]

Sad Day - What a remarkable life. I still have that cover from the Omnibus. It has been an inspiration to me to keep at it!
My condolances to you, Denny and to his family -- physical and spiritual.

[IFG]

So sorry to hear of his passing. I have always viewed him as an inspiration, especially as I get older.

[deltawave]

Always loved his story, and am sorry to hear of his passing but what a grand, full life he must have led. For each thing there is a season . . . :sadsmile:

[BAC]

I am so sad to hear of his passing but he certainly lead a full and active life. I never knew him but do remember reading about him, what an inspiration he was. What a great loss.

[Lori T]

What an inspiration. Condolences to his family.

[Lori B]

Inspiration indeed. A life well-lived. Condolences to his family.

[harveyhorses]

Thanks for letting us know. His was a great story. I am pretty sure they don't make 'em like that anymore. What a loss.

[frugalannie]

Denny, my condolences to Walt's family, you and May and his huge circle of friends and admirers.

I remember competing against Walt at Groton House, fairly early in his eventing career, though not early in his eventful life. I was consumed by nerves, but I noticed Walt: thrilled to be doing what he was doing, approaching the competition with tremendous focus (and I believe he beat me quite soundly) but with a huge smile and a twinkle in his eye. Seeing him then and through the years changed my outlook on eventing, and he truly will continue to be a great role model.

Godspeed, Walt. Your legacy will live on.

[monstrpony]

How sad. He was such an inspiration. There is some small consolation knowing there was probably little he wanted to try in life that he didn't make the chance to do. Something to keep in mind, as one grows older ...

[clivers]

I remember reading about Walt on this BB a few years ago. His was such a wonderful story! Condolences to all who will miss him - and I'm sure there are MANY.

[NeverTime]

The world has lost a real character in Walt Gervais. I kinda thought he was too stubborn to die. Ever.
He didn't let age be a barrier and understood the value of a good (or bad) joke -- even if the joke of the moment was forgetting his dressage test with Timmy (what a pair the two of them were)!
Denny, sincere condolences to you and your family, and to Joyce and hers. Cheers to Walt for living life to its fullest.

[HiJumpGrrl]

My thoughts are with his family. I can only hope to live a life as full as his was!

[Gryhrs]

Oh Denny. That makes me so sad. He was my hero. Whenever I think about your story about him going prelim for the first time - I get a big grin on my face.

[fooler]

Condolences to Walt's family and to Denny and May. Our world has lost another interesting soul. :cry:

[subk]

Denny I'm so very sorry. Walt's story has always been an inspiration to me!

[eventer_mi]

Godspeed, Walt. The world is a lesser place without you in it.

[Auburn]

Walt's was a life well lived, which inspired all of us to continue eventing.

Condolences to his family.

[magnolia73]

Condolences to you and May and his family.

I must say how lovely and inspiring it is to hear about older adults being active and kicking butt in their later years. What a great example to all of us that you are never too old to take a chance and try something you've always wanted to do.... and the advantages of a lifelong commitment to staying active.

It sounds like he had 87 good years among good friends, good times and of course, good horses.

[CookiePony]

Walt is one of those people I admire who can look back and say "that was a heck of a ride!" I can only hope I will be able to do the same when the time comes. RIP Walt, and peace to his devoted family and friends.

[tommygirl]

He was an absolute inspiration in everything he did! Godspeed Walt!

[Jaegermonster]

I remember reading several articles in the COTH about Walt and the things he was doing.
What a wonderful, full and exciting life he lived, right to the last minute. We should all be as blessed as he was, and then to pass at his home. What a lucky man.
RIP Walt.

[BarbB]

I was always hoping to meet him someday. He was such an inspiration to the rest of us..hmmmm....older riders.
God speed, Walt.

[Mariequi]

I always felt Walt and my dad would be with us forever. I guess they will!

[BBowen]

I am truly saddened to hear this news. Thank you, Denny for posting. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gervais, but he was a hero to me after reading all that he accomplished coming to eventing later in life. My condolences to his family.

[53]

Rest in peace Walt.

[TLA]

He provided such an inspiration for so many people. I hope at 70 i am half as active.
Tom Angle

[imissvixen]

RIP Walt.

[Carol Ames]

What an amazing and inspiring human being he must have been:yes:; I am curious, did any officials or organizers ever question his participation?

[Adamantane]

... I am curious, did any officials or organizers ever question his participation?

On what basis?

[Carol Ames]

I am curious, did any officials or organizers ever question his participation?
---End Quote---

On what basis? AGE:no::mad:

[PolestarFarm]

My most sincere condolences go to Joyce and their family. I have really wonderful memories of Walt both in VT and NC. Thankyou Denny for keeping us informed.
My best to you, Joyce.
Meika

[Adamantane]

I am curious, did any officials or organizers ever question his participation?

On what basis?

AGE:no::mad:

Wasn't trying to be unpleasant. I know there are a lot of idiots out there, but who in this day and age could legitimately object based purely on somebody's age? It's not like there's an age cutoff in the rules or that such a thing could ever be adopted.

What would they say? "Uh, well, don't you think you're maybe getting a little old to do this?"

Never met Walt but presume he was far too gracious to answer what I would answer if some #(%!* said that to me about anything I'd shown up to do.:lol:

Vision issues, cardiovascular concerns and such might for some be legitimate since they involve rider safety. Under the circumstances a detailed medical fitness statement wouldn't necessarily be inappropriate, although deciding who you're going to demand extra information from and who you aren't also might be an interesting exercise.:D

Age isn't a disability. (Unless you're under 18 or 21, and there only because some legislature decided to make it a disqualifier.)

[poltroon]

I loved hearing his story, and watching his riding career unfold. Whenever I think I am getting old, I think of him and instead just sit up and ride.

Thank you for bringing us the news. He lived a wonderful life.