Obituary of William Kennedy Galt

    William (Skip) Kennedy Galt, 59, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Rustburg VA on 08 August 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Deborah; and four loving sisters and bothers’-in-law, Karen & Dave Mueller, Patricia & George M. Dickens, Terry & Thomas Mathers, and Judy & Kenneth Stiver; and an adored plethora of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Skip was predeceased by his brother, John Michael Galt.  

    Skip was born in South Ruislip, England, on 13 April 1959 to John & Phyllis Galt who were stationed in the UK. Shortly after, the family moved to Langley AFB in Virginia where they lived until 1963 when John retired from the Air Force and moved to Suitland MD. Skip started forging life-long friendships in kindergarten. After graduating from Suitland high school, he was accepted at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis MD where he acquired more life-long friends. He graduated with the USNA Class of 1981 and was assigned training posts in Pensacola FL, at the Pentagon in Washington DC, in Groton CT, and in Bangor WA. He was then assigned to the USS Alabama (SSBN731) in Groton CT.  

He met and married his wife in 1984. They moved to Bangor WA until he completed his active duty USNA commitment. Skip transitioned into the Naval reserves and was hired by General Electric in Pittsfield MA to design and test fire-control software. Over the following years Skip worked at different companies developing software and counted many more coworkers as treasured friends. During this time, Skip also returned to active duty in the Navy for Y2K and again after 9/11.  

In 1998, Skip & Deb acquired their 40 acre farm in Rustburg VA where he reveled in the farm life – especially his tractors! Skip loved to putter on the farm, make hay, muck stalls, take care of his dogs – Dagney and Puck – and Deb’s horses. He assisted with raising, canning, and eating lots of home-grown vegetables. Skip’s dedication to help others in the military service was channeled into serving as a Blue and Gold Officer for the Naval Academy where he took tremendous satisfaction in meeting brilliant young people and following their careers as their dedication to service was realized. He also ran for his favorite charities, most notably the Marine Corps Marathon and Run to Honor. Skip’s Christmas messages always communicated the deep love and respect he had for family, friends, pets, and service to his country.  

    A memorial service will be held on Friday, 17 August 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Diuguid Waterlick Chapel , 21914 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg VA with reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA.org http://pva.org) or to the Warrior Dog Foundation (http://warriordogfoundation.org ). 

    Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory, Waterlick Chapel, 237-2722, is serving the family. On-line condolences may be sent to www.diuguidfuneralservice.com.