Walter Sargent Obituary

Walter Leon Sargent of Farmington, CT died at home on Saturday, May 10th. Walter was born on July 4, 1942 to John and Sophie Sarnowski. He grew up in Terryville, CT where he attended Terryville High. He went on to Central Connecticut State University, and graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts Education and then also earned his Masters in Education.

It was at Central where he met the love of his life, Sandra-Lynne Hobson, during their freshman year. They went on to marry and move to Farmington where they raised their two children Rob and Betsy. He has four grandchildren; Jakob, Olivia, Jack and Riley, whom he treasured and would always ask about their schooling, jobs, and activities.

Walter began his teaching career in the town of West Hartford and never left. He spent 41 years teaching and keeping order in the classrooms of several elementary and junior high schools in West Hartford. He enjoyed teaching so much, he spent his summers as principal of their summer school program for over 17 years. When not in the classroom you could find Walt at various sporting events: scoring basketball games, working the lines at football, supervising the hockey penalty box, and timing at track meets.

Giving back to the community where he lived was something Walt enjoyed. He served on the Board of Winding Trails, Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission, and the Building Committee for Westerleigh in Unionville. After retiring from teaching, Walter was the Executive Director at the Farmington Land Trust for 5 years. And for over 20 years he was the Treasurer of the Avon Memorial Methodist Church.

Walter was a man’s “man” a “true outdoorsman.” He was happiest fishing in the Farmington River, sitting in a deer stand on the farm, or out on the ocean deep sea fishing. He served as President of the CT Valley Anglers. He spent over 17 years on the Farmington River Wild and Scenic Committee. The committee successfully achieved the designation of “Wild and Scenic” of the Upper Farmington River, (Riverton to Canton). This designation is the strongest protection a river can have, and will stay a cherished treasure for future generations.

Sandy and Walt loved to travel and explore new places. In their later years, they enjoyed going on long drives and discovering hidden breakfast spots. And don’t call when Jeopardy is on. Addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Walt is survived by his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois and Bill Brower and Rita and Steve Sjorblad.