John Walter, a well known editor and journalist both on and off Marth’s Vineyard, died Thursday, September 11th, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MA, from complications of surgery. He was 61.

Gifts in John Walter’s memory may be made to the John W. Walter Memorial Fund at the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank, Box 1069, Edgartown, MA 02539; the gifts will be used to support enrichment opportunities for creative arts students (including the journalism department) at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

A joyful memorial service, followed by lunch, will be held for him at 1 p.m. on October 4th on Martha’s Vineyard under a tent at the Wasque Swimming Beach on Chappy. The public is welcome; transportation will be provided from the On Time dock to Wasque.