WVAC Legacy is to recognize those members of the club who are no longer with us and served as officers or volunteered their time in the operation of the club. This page is new to our website, WVAC was started in 1990 so we’re sure there are people not listed here that should be. If you have information on past members or additional information please contact us clicking here.
James Chrisman: August 21st 1937 – February 18th 2018 (aged 80)
He was a veteran of the U.S Navy who served on active duty during the Cuban missile crisis.
Jim was a successful businessman and lifetime member of Kiwanis International. He enjoyed astronomy as an avid observer and teacher and was the founder and long-time president of the Astronomy Club of Sun City West before it became the West Valley Astronomy Club.
Walter Schmitt
Walter served as President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Star Party Coordinator. Walter was born on 10/06/1925 and served as a military guard for the German Army during WWII. While on guard duty at night Walter study the night sky. Walter traveled the world and was quit active up unto his passing in 2021 at the age of 96. Walter was always fun to be with.
John Lesly Cline December 21, 1938 – January 15 2023
John was felled by a stroke at his winter home in Surprise, AZ. Two weeks earlier he had returned to Seattle to oversee brother Evan’s trip for eye surgery. He will be missed awfully by discussion adversaries and sessions on people, politics and friends. John was the president & Vice-President of the West Valley Astronomy Club for over 25 years and enjoyed the night skies and attended as many star parties as he could. He earned a first-class HAM radio license at age 15. He worked with test equipment and training sessions at Boeing for over 20 years.
