Our friend and fellow collector Walter E. Gist passed away in his home on July 18th 2005. Walt was one of the true gentlemen of the hobby and will be greatly missed.


Former L.A.P.D. Chief Daryl Gates, Washoe County Sheriff's Lt. Doug Gist & Walt Gist.

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Walt joined the Kensington P.D. (S.F. Bay Area) following his U.S. Army discharge in 1953. He served as Chief of Police from 1972 until retirement in July of 1977. He graduated from many specialized law enforcement schools including the U.S.C. school of public administration, police executive development course and the F.B.I. National Academy at Quantico. Virginia. He had been collecting and exhibiting law enforcement memorabilia since 1954.


REMEMBRANCES
If you would like to post a remembrance of Walt please email:
jc@policeguide.com 

On July 18, 2005, Walt Gist, my Dad, passed away quietly at his home. My Dad was one of my closest friends, my mentor, and the man that taught me right from wrong. He was the man that caused, no showcased, my path to law enforcement and a successful career. Dad loved badge collecting because of his interest in history, his love of law enforcement and each and every one of those men and women that respectfully and honestly serve this great nation with a badge on their chest. He loved badge collecting because of the very symbolism that a law enforcement badge stands for. Dad's passing leaves a great void in my life and I miss him dearly already. The hobby will miss him as well because within his memory he has taken an encyclopedic knowledge of badges and memorabilia. Be with God now Dad. You have earned the vacation. I'll be here to guard the gate. Doug Gist


Walter E. Gist was my friend. He was what many people call large souled. Walt was a true gentleman who always made one feel comfortable. He loved people and animals, and above all else his family. People who knew Walt loved him back. Walt served his country in the U.S. Army and served the people of Kensington, CA as a police officer. They rewarded him by appointing him Chief of Police in 1972, a position he held until his retirement in July of 1977. Over the past few years the congestive heart failure he was fighting weakened his body but not his mind or his sense of humor. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. When I would call him and ask how he was doing he enjoyed saying, I’m above ground and that’s a good thing. Walt’s battle for life ended on July 18, 2005. His absence in the lives of his family and those he spent time with will be immense, however we can take comfort in knowing his suffering has ended. Walt was one of the elder statesmen in the collecting of law enforcement memorabilia, along with the likes of Ron Donoho, Jim Bolander and Keith Bushey. A true historian and mentor to all who needed a little help or guidance. Walt co-hosted two National police collector shows in Reno and over the years won many prestigious awards for his police memorabilia display. Walt and his wife Eleanor (a beautiful person with a heart of gold) raised three children, Doug, Linda and Sandy, all fine individuals and successful in their professional lives. God Bless Walt Gist, we will miss him and remember him with fondness. Jim Casey


The brotherhood of law enforcement collectors lost a pioneer hobbyist and true gentleman. I had the privilege of knowing Walt for several years, and the honor of being an invited guest at his home earlier this year. Walt was ever the congenial host, sharing a few laughs and fielding numerous questions from Jim, Mark, and I as we perused his massive collection of law enforcement memorabilia. I will miss him, as he was truly one of very few advanced collectors with a wealth of knowledge. Yet, Walt would always have time to chat with us little guys in the hobby. I hope, for Walt’s sake, that there are badge shows in heaven. My condolences to his wonderful family, may God bless them and comfort them in this time of sorrow. Lance Young


Walt has been a dear friend for many years, and truly one of the finest individuals to walk the face of the earth. From the time we first met in the late 1960's to our last visit, approximately one month ago, he has never failed to demonstrate exceptional optimism and goodwill; traits that are evident in Ellie, Doug, and Sandy. As a fellow badge collector, Walt always found the time to mentor me in those areas where his knowledge was exceptional, and never referred to my foolish questions as foolish! I hope that his family is able to find comfort in the realization that Walt's passing, in the big scheme of things, is merely a transition from life as we know it to eternal life, and that they will see him again. In the meantime, Walt would want Ellie, Doug, and Sandy to live life to its fullest. Those of us who had the honor of Walt's friendship are better people, and heaven is an even better place because Walt Gist is there. Keith Bushey


Walt Gist, passed away yesterday at his home in Reno, NV. He apparently sat down in his easy chair and took a nap. I am thankful for his quiet and peaceful passing. He was a former military man who later went into law enforcement and retired from the Kensington, CA police department as Chief of Police. I am sure that all of you can remember him as being a polite, low key, individual who had put together the largest collection of old police badges over the years. He enjoyed life to the fullest and on his spread in Reno, he rescued wild mustangs who still roam around the large pond in front of his house. He rescued animals of all kinds and was well thought of throughout the collector world as well as the law enforcement world. He had received awards for his assistance with the local law enforcement. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, his son Doug (retired Capt. from Washoe Co) and his daughter Sandy. Al Mize


Walt Gist was definitely one of the "Great - Good Guys" in the business. I was very fortunate to have met Walt when I was a police cadet in 1973. We had developed a very long friendship based on trust, mutual respect and treating everyone fairly. Walt was one who you could always turn to for advice and encouragement. Walt and Ellie were always gracious hosts and I always felt very welcome as a guest at their home. I can honestly say that Walt had a very positive impact on me and I am glad to have known him. My condolensences to Ellie, Sandy and Doug. Walt will be missed and he will be remembered by all who knew him. Thanks Walt! Gary Teragawa


I don't remember Walter as the police chief as he retired the year I was born. What I do remember is the quiet man who loved his wife, his dogs, his horses, his geese, and his ducks. Whenever I came to visit, I knew I could find him either outside in his pasture or upstairs doing work with his badge collection. His dry wit and quiet demeanor set him apart from everyone else in my family. And, I knew he loved me. Just one look from him told me how proud he was and is of me. I feel so privileged to have known a man who was so focused in his life. When he couldn't be on the police force anymore, he continued with the one thing that would keep him connected to them, his badges. He is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. I love you, Grandpa. I ask that you would continue to guide me so that I might earn the same respect and honor as you have among everyone who has known you. Deborah W. Halasz


I first met Walt when I was appointed to the Kensington Police Department in 1960. We had remained good friends since that time. Walt, you will be missed. Bob Malone


Although I'm not sure exactly when I first met Walt, it was probably sometime in the early 80's. While I've been a police memoribilia collector for over 35 years and have met a number of people, I have been impressed by few. Walt was, without a doubt, one of the finest gentlemen I met in all those years. My condolences go out to his family and I am sure the man will always rest in peace; he certainly deserves to do so. Bill Selonek


MY CONDOLENCES TO WALTS FAMILY. I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO MEET THEM, AND MY FIRST MEET WITH WALT WAS AT THE FIRST RENO SHOW. HOWEVER WE HAD BEEN INTRODUCED THROUGH A MUTUAL FRIEND, BILL DALRYMPLE, MANY YEARS EARLIER. WHEN I WOULD CALL WALT I WOULD ASK IF HE HAD A MINUTE TO TALK BADGES AND THAT MINUETE WOULD OFTEN GO INTO A HOUR OR SO. ONE ALWAYS DRAWS A PICURE OF THE PERSON ON THE OTHER END OF A PHONE CONVERSATION, AND FOR WALT, WHEN I MET HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS EXCEPTIONAL. WALT WAS THE COWBOY I HAD PICTURED AND THE WEBSTER OF KNOWLEDGE ON BADGES. WALT YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED AND EACH TIME I LOOK AT A BADGE THAT WE MADE A TRADE ON YOUR MEMORY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. SADDLE UP, FOR YOUR MEMORY WILL LIVE ON. KEN LUCAS