Dennis Walrod

Born on August 16, 1940, he was predeceased by his parents, Betty Kisshauer and Raymond Walrod; his wife of 51 years, Margaret Walrod; a daughter, Karin Beth; and a brother, Richard Walrod.

Dennis is survived by his children, Lisa (John) Sutherland, Laura (Richard) Hunt, Megan Walrod, Jennifer Walrod and Nathan (Tara) Walrod; and eleven remarkable grandchildren.

Dennis grew up in rural Western New York where hunting, trapping and woodlore were considered normal parts of a young boy’s education. His early days inspired a lifetime spent exploring the outdoors and writing about his discoveries.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in ceramic engineering at Alfred University, SUNY, and worked at Carborundum, in Falconer, NY, for 33 years. Dennis was invited to make technical presentations in 13 countries, including the Soviet Union in 1987. He was there when President Reagan gave his famous speech in Berlin, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

For decades, Dennis navigated parallel careers in ceramic engineering and freelance writing. He wrote hundreds of articles for national outdoor magazines such as Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Gray’s Sporting Journal, Hunting Dog (as field editor), and The Drummer (RGSA). His books include More Than A Trophy (1983), Grouse Hunter’s Guide: Solid Facts, Insights, and Observations on How to Hunt the Ruffed Grouse (1985), Making the Most of Your Deer: Field Dressing, Butchering, Venison Preparation, Tanning, Antlercraft, Taxidermy, Soapmaking, & More (2004) and Antlers: A Guide to Collecting, Scoring, Mounting, and Carving (2005).

Once a member of the “Chautauqua County Bird Dog Association,” “Loyal Order of Dedicated Grouse Hunters,” and the “Ruffed Grouse Society of America,” Dennis claimed to be an expert grouse finder. When placed in a vehicle on a cross-country highway, he said he could detect from the corner of his eye, at 55 MPH, where grouse could be found.

As proof that he could do more than skin a buck (as he liked to joke), Dennis taught writing courses for 12 years at Chautauqua Institution in NY on the subject of getting paid for writing non-fiction. He also served as a teacher’s assistant in the Dale Carnegie courses for several years, after experiencing their life-changing impact on his own life. And he turned his artistic eye to wedding photography for several years and was a member of the Southwestern NY Association of Professional Photographers.

Dennis’ motto was carpe diem: seize the day. At age 19, he took a year off college to explore the world. He rode a ship freighter to Australia, where he lived for several seasons, dabbling in painting and writing letters home about his adventures. His family’s positive comments about his detailed and descriptive letters propelled him to become a writer.

In his 50s, he and his wife discovered the nudist lifestyle, which they embraced fully. He smoked a few joints here and there, made his own wine, was an adventurous foodie, and traveled extensively. In addition to traveling internationally for work, he also went to Thailand and Cambodia to visit one of his daughters. Later in life, he became (in his own words) a kick-ass downhill skier at age 50 and retired the skis at 75.

The Walrod family is extremely grateful to the staff at Lutheran Home Care Facility. Their kindness and dedicated service went a long way to making Dennis’ 6-year stay there comfortable.

A memorial service will be held this fall in the Lind Funeral Home, 805 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY, at a day and time to be announced.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Lutheran Home at Kane, https://www.lutheranhomekane.org/ 100 High Point Dr, Kane, PA 16735. Please make a note that the donation is for the Activities Department/Dennis Walrod Memorial. Donations will be used to purchase large-print books for the residents, as well as puzzles and games.

You may leave a condolence to Dennis’ family at www.lindfuneralhome.com.