Walter Lambert Bridges, age 82 of Fremont and St. James City, Florida, passed away Monday, August 1, 2019 at the Mercy Health - Hackley Hospital in Muskegon following a short illness. Walt was born on September 25, 1936 in Wilcox Township, Newaygo County, Michigan – the seventh of 8 children born to Scott and Elsie (Chaney) Bridges. At the age of 17, Walt left the family farm and joined the United States Marine Corps where he served for 4 years until his honorable discharge. Upon his return to West Michigan where he met the Love of his life, Nora Langley and they were married on July 5, 1958 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Brunswick. Together they stood by each other's side for 61 years. Walt began a career as a painter in manufacturing and became a supervisor where he coached and mentored 100's of manufacturing workers, often telling them, "be firm, fair and consistent" throughout his career until his retirement from Autostyle in Grand Rapids. In 1988, he and Nora fulfilled their dream of owning their own business – Long Point Resort in Montague which also became the home base for the Lucky Hat Charter fishing boat. Walt turned his love of fishing on Lake Michigan into a successful cottage rental, charter boat fishing Captain, and fish shanty rental business for 15 years. Walt spent the remainder of his life enjoying the 3 activities he loved – helping family, fishing off Pine Island, Florida and Fremont Lake and spending time with his beloved wife, Nora. Walt always tried to live his life according to God's plan, "we are in his court, all is well, and trust in Him". Walt is survived by his wife, Nora of Fremont and St. James, Florida; his children, Michelle (Brian) Fodrocy of Muskegon; Tamara (Hugh) Pennington of Delton; Susan (James) George of Columbus, Ohio; Walter Bridges Jr. of Clarksville, Michigan; Mark (Teresa) Bridges of Fremont; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; 16 beloved nieces and nephews and all those who looked to him as a father. Walt was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Daniel Leroy Bridges, Tressabelle Cook, Ruth Eliza Cook, Audlie Bridges, Francis Eva Macomber, Scott Leroy Bridges, Vida Irene Gleason. VISITATION : Monday, August 5, 2019 from 4-7pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel 7193 W 48th Street Fremont MI 49412 with a TIME OF SHARING at 6:45pm. VISITATION : Tuesday, August 6, 2019 from 9:30am – 11am at the St. Michael Catholic Church 6328 S Maple Island Road Fremont MI 49412 with ROSARY SERVICES at 10am at the church. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL : Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 11am at the St. Michael Catholic Church in Fremont with MILITARY HONORS following the MASS. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS : please consider memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors. Visitation Fremont Chapel Monday, August 5, 2019 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, Michigan 49412 Time of Sharing Fremont Chapel Monday, August 5, 2019 6:45 PM 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, Michigan 49412 Visitation St. Michael Catholic Church Tuesday, August 6, 2019 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM 6382 S Maple Island Road Fremont, MI 49412 Rosary St. Michael Catholic Church Tuesday, August 6, 2019 10:00 AM 6382 S Maple Island Road Fremont, MI 49412 Mass of Christian Burial St. Michael Catholic Church Tuesday, August 6, 2019 11:00 AM 6382 S Maple Island Road Fremont, MI 49412 Military Honors St. Michael Catholic Church Tuesday, August 6, 2019 12:00 PM 6382 S Maple Island Road Fremont, MI 49412